"Not every football player can go and play abroad." These words were said to Sport24.az by Azerbaijani veteran football player Vali Gasimov.
The 57-year-old former striker shared his thoughts on the transfer of our compatriot Nariman Akhundzade to the American club "Columbus Crew":
"If Nariman has chosen this path, he must work harder on himself. He must prove why he was transferred to the US team. We all know that when players go abroad, local fans demand more from them. You have to prove that you were not brought to this club for nothing. It is certainly difficult to adapt to the team and get a chance to play in the squad."
Gasimov said that Nariman Akhundzade is a good football player:
"He just needs to prove himself in the USA. I wish him to represent our country there properly. Everything depends on him. If he made it to the main squad of "Qarabag", I believe that he will be able to have his say in his new club as well."
The veteran player also touched upon the fact that the legionnaire careers of Azerbaijani football players are not very successful:
"The main thing is to adapt. Not everyone can do it. Some miss home, others do not know the foreign language. There are many reasons and questions. But if there is a desire, they can show what they deserve. I believe in Nariman. He will prove that he is a good striker."