Pakistani footballer, Abdullah Abbas joins West Ham United Football Club

In a country like Pakistan where the sport of Football is still struggling and trying to get into the roots but also have been much successful with the efforts of Leisure Leagues PK and World Soccer Stars (TSG) as more and more football tournaments, leagues and championships have been conducted and also with International footballers visiting the country such as; Ricardo Kaka, Luis Figo, Carles Puyol and Nicholas Anelka, the sport is gaining rapid progress. 

But the lack of financial funds still remains a problem for the National Teams as well as the teams who want to take part in various international events according to the event's age requirement. This country whose National Sport is Hockey but people are crazy for Cricket, in spite, still having a dream of becoming a professional footballer is far more difficult to turn into reality. 

This country's future in the sport of Football is suffering at the hands of politics, with players not being paid and certain departments being forced to shut down their teams due to lack of funds, along with scarcity of football tournaments being organized, Abdullah Abbas, a young passionate footballer from Lahore, is hopeful of making his mark on the world of football, making his country proud.

No journey is complete without struggles and hindrances and same was the case with Abbas’ effort towards realizing his dream. Abbas finally achieved what he struggled for, signing with West Ham United Football Club for three years as a part of their Youth/Senior program which would see him rotating between the reserves and the first team for the duration of the contract. Based on his performance, his role in the squad and the re-signing of the contract would be determined. 

To his first step towards becoming a professional footballer, Abdullah Abbas expressed: 

“West Ham United, the club itself is rich in history, talent and achievements! From Bobby Moore, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard to Mark Noble it has produced many legends of the beautiful game!. The fans are easily the noisiest and most passionate in London. Hopefully I’ll be able to deliver and bring joy in the East side of London very soon!. The new stadium promises to be a thing to be reckoned with and deserves European nights. Which we’ll get next season Insha’Allah,” 

Talking further about the football in Pakistan, he said that he believes Pakistan can be a breeding ground of world beaters in the near future and if the players were given proper coaching and a proper platform for them to work hard, we would be able to see a lot more Pakistani players playing across the top leagues in Europe.

He also thanked all of his supporters, who made his this journey possible and have been there throughout to support him, 

“Regardless of the struggles and the setbacks, I had something that would nullify the negativity. The pillars of my strength and the ones who believed in my dreams more than I believed in them, my parents; the two most supportive and caring parents one could ever have! My brothers and my sister who’ve always believed in me and kept me in line whenever I strayed off of it! My friends and my teammates, who constantly helped me in developing my game and pointing out my mistakes. Without all of them, this would not been possible! Thank you all!”