Flying eagle Nadir Belhadj to Echorouk: “My injury is not dangerous and I’ll be ready for the World Cup 2010”

Algerian international and Pompey’s player Nadir Belhadj arrived to Doha at four AM to join his team-mates Megheni and Bougherra in Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital ASPETAR. Echorouk accompanied him to the clinic and got this interview.

• Welcome to Qatar?
• Welcome, thank you so much.
• Is it your first visit to Qatar?
• Yes, it is the first time and it’ll not be the last. Qatar is an Arab and Muslim country.
• How is your health situation?
• I’m fine. I was injured like any other footballer and there is nothing to worry about.
• What is the reason of your injury?
• I think the main reason is fatigue and the struggle of Pompey to stay in a good position. Don’t forget that there is no rest since two seasons, after the end of the first part of the World Cup qualifications, the European Championships started and we begun the second part of the qualifications, then we returned again to competition.
• Weren’t you afraid this injury could become a real obstacle that would prevent you from participation in the World Cup?
• No, it is a simple injury and as I told you I’m coming back to competition. I tell the Algerians through Echorouk that I’m fine.
• Why did you choose Qatar for treatment instead of European clinics?
• I’ve chosen Qatar given the good reputation of ASPETAR hospital. I already have heard about this clinic where famous players received treatment, as well as my team-mates Bougherra and Megheni.
• CSKA Moscow is interested to join you for five million dollars. What is your decision?
• Explicitly, I didn’t hear about this offer, I just read it via internet like you did and in some newspapers. As I said before injury and World Cup 2010 are preventing me from accepting offers even if they are official.
• You know the transfers’ season in Russia will end on April 8, Don’t you?
• Nadir Belhadj: Yes, I know transfers’ season will end on the first week of April, therefore I think time is not enough to study this offer, particularly since I’m injured.
• So you’ll remain in Portsmouth?
• Yes, given the contract which will remain until 2013. It’s true the club will come down and there are financial problems, however; when there is a good offer I’ll study it. Currently my only focus is directed to the World Cup.  
• This means that you don’t think of leaving the English league?
• No, I’m ready to study any proposal from English and other leagues, despite the English league is excellent and amazing.
• What is the league of your dreams?
• The Italian Calcio and the Spanish Ligua known for their high techniques and progress. We’ll see after the World Cup.
• Don’t you wish to play in large clubs, especially since you are the best African left winger. Congratulations by the way.    
• Thank you very much… of course it is a motivation to play in the largest clubs. It’s the dream of any player.
• What is your feeling after you don’t participate in the half finals of England Cup?
• Nadir Belhadj: Of course, I can’t risk my future and play despite injury. It’s true my dream was to play against Tottenham, however, I’m pleased to play in the World Cup with my country’s team.