Abu Dhabi: UAE’s poster boy Omar Abdul Rahman on Thursday night added another high profile trophy to his name — The AFC Player of the Year award.
A career-defining moment indeed and there is no doubt by the time the star midfielder hangs up his boots, his name will be etched as one of the greatest footballers to come from the region.
But the Emirati’s reluctance to move to the big stage and leaving the comforts of Al Ain could deprive the world of witnessing a serious talent from Asia. More importantly, he himself could end up with that ‘what if I had taken the plunge?’ feeling.
Last week, ‘The Boss’ Al Ain missed out on the AFC Champions League title and the Al Ain captain was distraught. His team was held to a 1-1 draw in the second leg in front of their own fans at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium by South Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who claimed the title with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Thursday was a big night for Amoory, who won Asia’s top-notch award after being in the reckoning for the second year running. A rare gloom was writ large on a usually chirpy Omar’s face. Despite being dressed to a T, he barely managed to sport a smile while receiving the coveted trophy. With the Champions League loss, Amooy’s pride has been seriously dented and he very well knows that it would be a Herculean task if they are to get another shot at the title. Winning at home would have been something out of this world and no trophy can compensate for that missed opportunity.
Shaking his head in disbelief, he did accept that the personal gain will not take away the agony of missing out on Asia’s biggest club achievement. For Amoory, the fighter with a ‘never give up’ attitude, the setback is a hard pill to swallow and will be at the back of his mind for a long time to come.
The people’s man dedicated the title to his fans, club and his national team compatriots on the eve of the UAE’s 45th National Day. He patiently posed for photographs with his fans and was seen handing the trophy to each one of them. He even got behind the lenses on their requests. Such is the bond he shares with the UAE. That could be one of the reasons holding Omar back from moving to fresh pastures.
It was at the 2012 summer Olympics when this rare talent from the Middle East shot into the limelight by ensuring that UAE had the lead against Uruguay. Since then, he has led UAE to glory in the Gulf Cup of Nations and has already spent nine years with the purple brigade — taking them to dizzying heights. Leading from the front, the UAE national team has also progressed into the third and final stage of qualification for the 2018 World Cup and is currently fourth in Group B.
For Al Ain’s aspirations, Omar’s presence is undoubtedly a huge influence for the team and they can win more glory with him around. They will go to any extent to keep the playmaker, reportedly the highest paid footballer in the country. There is no doubt that, under coach Zlatko Dalic’s leadership, Omar has matured immensely. However, the pressure Omar carries on his shoulders here in the UAE is tremendous and that is only expected to rise following this award. Had it been any other evening at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium than the AFC Champions League finale, one would have banked on Abdul Rahman to take that crucial penalty which Brazilian Douglas missed. What has repeatedly come to the fore is Al Ain’s and the national team’s forwards’ inability to match the guile of Omar’s deft quality passes which at times could match the class of the Ronaldos and Messis.
And when you see those mesmerising releases along with a wow, comes a question from within, why is he here? The fact is Omar has so much flair that he can fit into any European side. He has already been given trials at Manchester City but hasn’t taken a step further. With Abu Dhabi owning Man City, his transition would be that last thing to ponder. It is highly likely that the 25-year-old, at the peak of his career, is reluctant to move into an environment where more than anything he has to adapt to new conditions, culture and cross that language barrier.
However, time and again Omar has expressed that he is ready to make that transition and on Thursday night, after lifting the glittering trophy, he reiterated that he is ready and is open to offers.
“Every player has a dream to play in Europe, but that’s also God’s will. If I get a good offer from a big and good club, I would not mind it. But you have to note that Al Ain is also a very big team and everyone dreams of playing for Al Ain,” asserted Omar.
As the fans wait to see what the future holds for Amoory, the good thing here is to see players like him setting benchmark-after-benchmark to prove Asian Football is heading in the right direction.