FC Twente scores with Iraqi talent

"It's a dream come true, a big new challenge". That's how Iraqi midfielder Nashat Akram describes his contract with Dutch club FC Twente. He is the first player from Iraq to play at this level in Europe.
By Chalaan Charif

The club presented its latest signing to the assembled press on Friday evening at their Enschede stadium. The journalists were joined by a group of young Iraqis who had come along to welcome their football hero and compatriot to the Netherlands. Two camera teams from Iraqi television were also on hand to capture the scene.

One door closes, another opens
Akram's qualities as a footballer first attracted international attention during the Asian Cup in 2007. Iraq became Asian champion for the first time ever and Nashat played a crucial part in his national team's triumph.

That very summer, Akram found himself just one small step away from his dream of being the first Iraqi footballer to play in Europe. English Premier League club Manchester City showed a keen interest in the then 22-year-old midfielder and offered him a two-year contract. But Akram's deal fell foul of work permit regulations. English clubs are only allowed to recruit players from countries that rank among FIFA's top 70 list. Iraq fell just short of the top 70 and Nashat saw his big opportunity pass him by.

Nevertheless, the negotiations with Manchester City opened a door for the Iraqi player. Steve McLaren - now manager at FC Twente - was involved in Manchester City's negotiations for Akram in 2007. He was convinced of the Iraqi player's star quality. When McLaren took over in Enschede, he was keen to bring in Akram at the earliest possible opportunity. The talented Iraqi now has a three-year contract with the club, and the option of a one-year extension.

A new face of Iraq
For Akram, the move is more than just an important step in his career. He also sees it as a chance to show the world a different image of Iraq, beyond the violence and bloodshed that have dominated the headlines in recent years. "Iraq is a nice country with nice people. They love football," the 24-year-old Iraqi insisted during his press conference. On the evening of his presentation, the player was able to share his love of his homeland with a group of young and enthusiastic Iraqis. Boys and girls from the Iraqi Youth Council NL brought along Iraqi and Dutch flags and wore T-shirts bearing Iraqi symbols. They proudly waved red scarves which bore Nashat Akram's name in Arabic and Latin script. A whole new fan base

"We always wear something Iraqi, even if it is only a chain or an earring," explains Rawya, an Iraqi student from Amersfoort. She and her fellow members of the Iraqi-Dutch Youth Council hope that Akram will be a role model for young Iraqis in the Netherlands: "Nashat's success in coming to play for FC Twente will motivate young Iraqis to make the most of themselves."

In Akram, it would appear that FC Twente has done more than just take on a talented new player. The club has also attracted a whole new fan base. Thousands of young Iraqis in the Netherlands finally have a team they can identify with.