Footballer Etzaz Hussain on the Pakistan Embassy in Oslo, Norway. — File
KARACHI: Pakistan soccer obtained a major enhance after FIFA authorised the change of sporting nationality for midfielder Etzaz Hussain, clearing the Norway-born participant to signify the nationwide group.
The 32-year-old, who beforehand performed alongside striker Erling Haaland at Molde FK, accomplished the formal change following FIFA’s affirmation earlier this week.
Hussain had secured a Pakistani passport in early 2024 and had already voiced his ambition to put on the inexperienced jersey.
One of the embellished gamers in Norwegian soccer, Hussain has received 4 Eliteserien league titles and three Norwegian Cups with Molde, sharing the excellence of being the membership’s joint-most profitable participant with seven trophies.
Over his profession, he has made practically 300 skilled appearances, together with stints in Turkey with Sivasspor, in Croatia with NK Rudeš, in Cyprus with Apollon Limassol, and most lately with Norwegian second-tier membership Odd.
Born in Oslo in 1993 to oldsters from Kharian, Gujrat, Hussain started his soccer journey at Langhus earlier than becoming a member of Manchester United’s youth academy in 2009.
Though he didn’t break into the primary group at Previous Trafford, he described his time at United as “an experience for life.” He made his skilled debut with Fredrikstad in 2011, scoring a decisive aim within the Norwegian Cup the identical 12 months.
At Molde, Hussain reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and have become a key determine within the membership’s home success, scoring in each league and European competitions.
He additionally represented Norway at youth ranges from U16 to U23 however remained eligible to play for Pakistan, having by no means performed for Norway at senior aggressive degree.
Along with his eligibility now confirmed, Hussain is predicted to carry expertise and stability to Pakistan’s midfield, strengthening the squad forward of upcoming worldwide fixtures.
“This is a very important development for Pakistan football,” mentioned a Pakistan Soccer official. “Having a player of Etzaz Hussain’s caliber and experience will inspire the team and fans alike.”
Hussain has beforehand expressed satisfaction in his Pakistani roots and was honored by the Pakistan embassy in Oslo throughout Independence Day celebrations in 2021.
