Interview with Nabil El Azhar
(TheAtlasLions.com/9 November 2004) Here's an exclusive interview with Saint-Etienne midfielder Nabil El Azhar.
1°/- Tell us about yourself and career
I was born in Ales in 1986. My first club was OAC Ales. I left it when I was 13 years-old to sign for Nîmes Olympique which is the biggest club in this area. I played in all the national championships.
2°/- What are your hobbies?
I listen a lot of Music. I often go to the cinema. PlayStation is one of my best hobbies. As for Football matches on TV, I like to see the biggest matches.
3°/- Who is your idol and why?
I have no real idol but as everybody in this world I like Zidane. I also appreciate Ronaldinho because he is a 9,5 like me. I can not forget Ronaldo who is the best striker in the world.
4°/- What is your favourite club and why?
Real Madrid. There is also Nîmes Olympique. If I am currently in Saint-Etienne at a high level, it is thanks to this club. Thats why I cant forget it.
5°/- You played for France youth team? which do you prefer to play for? Morocco or France? And why?
I played 4 games for France national teams (Germany in 2002, and Italy, Croatia and Turkey in 2004). To be honest, when I was playing for France I didnt feel anything. When I took part in a training camp with Morocco and Fethi Jamal last May in Lens, I felt so good. At this moment, I really understood how strong it was to play for Morocco. Besides, I am still in touch with Yahia, the goalkeeper of Wydad Casablanca.
6°/- How does it feel to join? Saint-Etienne this season? And do you dream of making your debut for the first team?
Everything is OK. I play in the reserve team and I have already trained with the professional team. I feel officials rely on me. That makes me stronger. And I want to work harder and harder to achieve my dream: getting a professional player in Saint-Etienne, a great club with fantastic fans.
7°/- Do you follow the results of the Atlas Lions?
Yes, all the time. Besides, I was about to fight my guinea friend Bangoura (laughing) because I was telling him that they won a draw thanks to a big referee mistake. I hope Morocco will qualify for the next 2006 World Cup.
8/- How often you visit Morocco and where do you go?
The last time I went to Morocco was in summer 2000 and to be honest I really miss my country. I will go this year.
9°/- Do you have contact with other Morocco players in France?
Adil Hermach from Lens who is my big friend. Salah Sbaï from Charleroi and Karim Miftal from Niort.
10- How do you cope with Ramadan?
It is very hard because we train twice a day. In Nîmes Olympique, we were a lot of Muslim players to do it but here I am alone. Thats why it is a little bit more difficult than last season.
11°/- A last word for the visitors of our site www.theatlaslions.com
I just want to say that when I will play for Morocco I will be proud to represent my country. I wish you a good aïd moubarak said to all the Moroccan and Muslims people in the world.
Big thanks to Nabil El Azhar for granting us this interview and for Jaouad Boukhari for his time and for conducting this interview.
