Much-coveted midfielder Habib Fardan has refused to commit his long-term future to Al Nasr, following Al Jazira’s latest failed attempt to buy him.
Fardan, 23, enjoyed another stellar campaign last term, scoring nine goals in the Arabian Gulf League and playing a star role as the Dubai outfit ended their 12-year wait for silverware with victory in the GCC Club Cup final.
Such performances saw the Pride of Abu Dhabi make a substantial offer for the UAE international last week, which, for the second year in a row, was firmly rejected.
Speaking on Wednesday night at the opening of Soccer Scene, a football-specialist store in Dubai Festival City Mall, Fardan said he would be open for a move when his current deal expires in the summer of 2015.
“I cannot talk about this case as I have one more year on my contract with Al Nasr, and I respect my contract,” he said. “Next year, I do not know. After I finish my contract, we can talk about it.
“For me, I am happy with Al Nasr and proud to play for such a team. But I do not know what will happen next season.”
Fardan boosted his burgeoning reputation during the UAE’s two-week post-season European tour, scoring the only goal in the victory against Georgia with a deft header.
He started both that game and the opening 4-3 defeat to Armenia, forming a solid central midfield pairing with Jazira’s Khamis Esmail.
Fardan enthused about the experience of playing in Europe, as the UAE began a run of fixtures against opposition from that continent which sees them play 2014 World Cup dark horses Belgium and Norway in the coming months.
He said: “Every player in the UAE has dreams of playing in Europe… it is certainly my dream.
“Many players here are qualified to play there, as they have good experience and good skills – they have the ability to play there.
“It is a good thing to play in Europe. The defenders there have more experience than the ones in our region.
“You take experience from playing against them, which is very good for players here to improve themselves and the national team.
“It felt great scoring the winning goal against Georgia, because we got an important win," Fardan added. "I feel more happy because we won that game though, rather than the fact I scored the winning goal.”
The UAE have a packed winter calendar, defending their Gulf Cup of Nations title in November in Saudi Arabia before heading to Australia in January for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
There have been suggestions that Mahdi Ali may prioritise the latter competition, taking a weakened squad to the Gulf Cup. Fardan, however, insisted that the Whites would be fighting for glory on both fronts.
He said: “We will concentrate on both tournaments, as they are both important for us. We will do our best in both tournaments.
“We have the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup, we hope to do well in both of these tournaments. It will be very good to compete in both of those events.”
The UAE are spectators when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday (today), following a disappointing qualifying campaign. Fardan will be watching events in Brazil, with a determination to help his nation compete in Russia next time around.
“We hope to play in this tournament, Inshallah, we will do our best to play in 2018,” he said. “I think Argentina and Spain have the best teams right now, but I love Brazil. I hope for Brazil to win.”
FARDAN FACTFILE
Name: Habib Fardan
Age: 23
Position: Central midfielder
UAE record: Three goals in 18 appearances for the Whites
International honours: Won the 2013 Gulf Cup, and competed in the 2012 Olympics
2013-14 club record: Scored nine goals in 25 Arabian Gulf League appearances as Al Nasr finished fifth, also performed a leading role as the Blue Wave secured a 2-1 victory over Saham in the GCC Club Cup final.
