Al Hamdan interview: Al Nassr forward on club's AFC Champions League Elite aim
After helping Al Nassr land a first Roshn Saudi League title in seven years only months after arriving at the club, Abdullah Al Hamdan has recalibrated his focus.
For now, at least, the Saudi Arabia striker is aiming for another bit of history with the RSL title-holders: being part of the first Al Nassr side to win the AFC Champions League Elite.
Al Nassr, one of five Saudi sides contesting this season’s tournament, kick off their campaign on Tuesday, at 2023-24 champions Al Ain, in the UAE.
To mark the start of what Al Hamdan hopes will be a successful quest in the continent’s premier club competition, the Saudi Pro League sat down with him to chat Asian ambitions, RSL glory, and last February's transfer across Riyadh from Al Hilal to Al Nassr.
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On moving to Al Nassr
“Of course, the primary goal of my transfer was that there was a challenge for myself. It was time for me to take on a new challenge, and I was very excited for this experience.
"I found the right place where I could showcase my abilities even more. Al Nassr trusted me even more and thank God we were able to translate that on the pitch and achieved our goal by the end of the season.”
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On swapping Riyadh rivals
“In any player's career, there are always pivotal moments. Moving from a big club like Al Hilal to a big club like Al Nassr wasn't easy.
"It was a massive challenge, but this is my nature; I always love challenges. I made this decision and thankfully God has blessed me with it and granted me success.
“From the start of my transfer, everything was positive right through to the end of the season. Honestly, it was a wonderful feeling to play the first match [for Al Nassr] and score in it - a promising start.”
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On winning the RSL title
“Of course, any championship that a player wins brings a wonderful feeling. But I said it when we were crowned league champions, and now I say it again: the moment we won the league title with Al Nassr felt different.
“It was a difficult season on a personal level, so the joy of it was truly special. And, God willing, we will celebrate together in the coming seasons.”
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On that continental target
“Back when we were negotiating with the people leading the Al Nassr project, our primary ambition was to win the league. And [this] season, God willing, our goal is the AFC Champions League Elite.
“And I believe that myself and everyone in the dressing room are working hard at the club, and this is their current goal. We aspire to win the Asian Champions League Elite and all the remaining tournaments. Why not?"
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His message to Al Nassr fans
“First of all, thank you for their love. Thank you for their support. They've stood strongly by me ever since I arrived. They stood firmly behind the club last season and were the main reason we won the league.
"We hope for their attendance and support this season and they are happy with the league title. Hopefully we will bring them more joy.”