Hamza open to play for Bangladesh
First British-Bangladeshi now plays at Watford
Wednesday, 14 September 2022
Bangladeshi-origin English footballer Hamza Choudhury is open to playing for Bangladesh, admitting he would be "more than proud" and "honoured" to represent the nation, according to British sports channels' website Sky Sports.
In a wide-ranging interview with the first British-Bangladeshi to play English professional football, Anwar Uddin MBE, Choudhury spoke about his journey in football, inclusion in the game, and issues affecting British South Asian representation.
Former England U21 international Choudhury has Bangladeshi and Grenadian heritage. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a Bangladeshi upbringing, and is the only British-Bangladeshi ever to play Premier League football.
Asked if he would ever flirt with the idea of playing for Bangladesh, Choudhury said: "Yeah I think so, I definitely think so".
"I want to see how well I do in the next couple of years, but I'd be more than proud, more than honoured to go and play for Bangladesh, and almost have more of a reach, going back there more regularly."
Choudhury was speaking at Watford's training ground at an event to celebrate his appointment as an ambassador for Muslim athlete group Nujum Sports.
The midfielder said that he feels a "strong connection" with his roots in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh and cannot wait to give his children the opportunity to spend some time in the country.
"I was surprised at the beginning I think (about the impact of my success back in Bangladesh)," he told Fans for Diversity chief Uddin.