Shop online

Firas Al Khatib Wants To Lead Syria To Asia's Summit

The sharpshooter has his eyes on a huge goal...

Nov 26, 2009 1:45:36 AM

Syria star Firas Al Khatib is not going to dwell on missing out on the 2009 AFC Player of the Year and instead is looking to the future and success on the pitch.

The 26 year-old lost out in the continental count to Japan’s Yasuhito Endo on Tuesday but is more concerned in earning glory for the team.

Al Khatib captained Syria as they became one of the first teams to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup earlier this month. He wants a good showing in Qatar.

“I am targeting the semi-finals,” stated Al Khatib according to the-afc.com.

“It will be extremely tough to win the event but a final four finish would be very good for Syria.

“Syrian fans must always get behind us. At the 2011 Asian cup finals we need the support of our fans.”

“Captaining Syria is a big responsibility. We have a huge fan base with over 20 million following us. We have to try to minimise mistakes and maintain good form for the happiness of the fans.

"As captain of the Syrian national team I have a huge responsibility as you are a role model for the young. The young admire players and want to imitate them so you cannot make any mistake.”