PETALING JAYA: Selangor may have lost some key football players for this year’s Super League season but fret not, as they have netted a big catch in Uzbekistan national player Umarbek Eshmurodov.
The 31-year-old defender is riding high for his team in the ongoing Asian Cup and will take on hosts Qatar in the quarter-finals today.
But when his national duty is over, Eshmurodov said he would give his undivided attention if playing for the Red Giants. After all, Selangor will be his first club outside of his country.
“I’ve always wanted to play with a club abroad. Selangor are the first club that I’ve chose to expand my football career after 12 years of playing in Uzbekistan. I am confident in making this decision,” said Eshmurodov.
“I hope that the extensive experience of playing at the international level, both at club level and for the national team will help Selangor achieve success for the new season.”
Hailing from Koson, Eshmurodov started his career with Shurtan Guzar at the age of 21, making 81 appearances for the club and scoring four goals during his time there.
At 185cm, he gained the attention of one of Uzbekistan’s top clubs, Nasaf Qarshi where he stayed from 2017 to 2023, clocking 218 appearances in the first division of the Uzbek League.
Possessing strong leadership qualities, he was appointed captain and lifted the Uzbek Cup for three consecutive years in 2021, 2022, and 2023 with Nasaf Qarshi, as well as the Uzbek Super Cup for the 2022-2023 season.
Head coach Tan Cheng Hoe is looking forward to his arrival.
“I’m certain that Eshmurodov’s experience in the Asian Cup and Champions League will help him, especially with establishing the defensive line, since we struggled in that area last season,” said Cheng Hoe.
“Having him in the club would boost the team’s confidence in their ability to perform at the AFC Champions League
“He is also one of the captains of his former club and the Uzbekistan national team. I feel his leadership qualities will assist the squad, especially the young players to perform better and more composed this season,” he added.
Earlier, Selangor announced the departure of six players including Brendan Gan and Ayron Del Valle.
