Playing for Bangladesh best decision of my life: Hamza Choudhury

Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has completed one year in the Bangladesh jersey since making his debut in March last year. Reflecting on representing Bangladesh, the 28-year-old said, "It is the best decision of my life."

In an interview with ESPN, Hamza said, "Amazing! To be honest, it is the best thing I have done. I could not have asked for anything better."

Hamza expressed regret over failing to qualify for the Asian Cup but remains undeterred. "Yes, there is regret that we could not qualify for the Asian Cup. But these tough lessons will make us stronger. Everyone is disappointed, but I am confident that when we watch our game videos again, we will realise how much we have improved as a team," he said.

Since his debut in March last year, Hamza has played nine of Bangladesh's 10 matches, missing only the game against Nepal due to injury. He has played the full 90 minutes in all matches he has featured in, scoring four goals from his defensive midfield position.

Though Hamza could not bring any major success to Bangladesh, the national team avoided finishing at the bottom of the Asian Cup qualifiers for the first time since the 2000 campaign. Additionally, Bangladesh defeated India after 22 years.

Hamza said, "This is a big step for us. I think as a team we have come a long way in the last one year. The football we played away from home against a team like Singapore, who qualified for the Asian Cup, is something we should be proud of, and I hope it will serve us well in the next campaign."

Bangladesh played their final Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on Tuesday, with nearly 6,000 Bangladeshi supporters in the stands. Hamza was amazed by their selfless love. "They are truly incredible. I think they are the best supporters in the world. We did not qualify, and the match was essentially a celebration for Singapore, yet they spent their hard-earned money and came out in such numbers to support us. Their debt cannot be repaid," he said.

Hamza is now focused on the SAFF Championship. "In the summer, we may play some friendly matches. Then in September, we have the SAFF Championship, where we hope to win the title. Our recent performances have created that expectation within ourselves. After that, our eyes are on the 2027 campaign. Insha'Allah, next time we will be able to qualify for the main stage of the Asian Cup," he said.