After years of anticipation, Bangladeshi football fans are finally set to witness a groundbreaking moment as Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has announced his decision to represent Bangladesh in international football. Born in the United Kingdom, Hamza’s choice reflects his deep respect for his Bangladeshi heritage and his mother, as well as the unwavering support he has received from fans over the years.

In an interview with The Athletic, Hamza shared his motivations behind the decision. “I want to play for the people of Bangladesh. Their love and support have been overwhelming, and it played a big role in this decision. Every day, I receive countless messages from fans asking me to play for Bangladesh, and it touched me deeply.”

Having risen through the Leicester City academy, Hamza also represented England at the U21 level in seven matches. However, he soon realized that his chances of playing for England’s senior team were limited. “Playing for England was no longer a realistic option for me. That’s when I felt it was the right time to return to my roots,” he said.

Bangladesh is currently ranked 185th in FIFA’s rankings and has struggled in the World Cup qualifiers. Despite this, Hamza remains optimistic about the future. “I don’t just want to perform on the pitch; I want to help elevate football in Bangladesh. I hope to bring advanced training and international exposure to young players in the country,” he explained.

Hamza also acknowledged the challenges, including the lack of infrastructure in Bangladesh. “The passion for football here is incredible, but there is a significant shortage of proper facilities. I want to create opportunities for young players to train and compete at the highest level in Europe. This will not only benefit the players but also open new horizons for Bangladeshi football as a whole,” he said.

His vision extends beyond personal achievements. “My goal isn’t just to play well for the national team. I want to build a platform for young players that enables them to reach Europe’s top leagues and realize their potential.”

Hamza’s connection to Bangladesh goes beyond his football aspirations. His family has roots in a village in Habiganj, and he has visited the country regularly since childhood. “Growing up, I would visit Bangladesh every year. The lifestyle there taught me humility and gratitude. The close-knit communities and their way of life had a profound impact on me.”

He cherishes the cultural ties he shares with the country. “Bangladesh has always been a significant part of my life. My mother would cook Bangladeshi meals every day, and I grew up speaking the language. It’s something I hold dear, and I want my children to embrace this culture as well.”

While cricket is the dominant sport in Bangladesh, Hamza believes that football holds a special place in the hearts of the people. “Bangladeshis are crazy about football. I want to create a stage where they can showcase their talents and make a name for themselves on the international stage,” he said.

Hamza is now preparing to join the national team, a move that is expected to boost morale and serve as a catalyst for the development of Bangladeshi football. His decision is seen as a beacon of hope for a country yearning for a brighter future in the sport.