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Premier League player given hero’s welcome after historic international allegiance switch
Leicester player Hamza Choudhury was mobbed by fans after arriving for his first senior international call-up. The midfielder is in line to make his Bangladesh debut next week after switching allegiances from England. X / @vsrsusChoudhury was given a hero’s welcome after arriving in Bangladesh[/caption] X / @vsrsusHundreds of fans gathered to welcome their new midfielder[/caption] Choudhury, who is on loan at Sheffield United from Leicester, had previously won seven caps for the Three Lions at under-21 level. Having also been eligible for Grenada through his dad, the 27-year-old officially switched to Bangladesh in December. He qualifies for the nation ranked 185th in the world through his mother and could make his debut on March 25. Choudhury is the only overseas-based player included in the squad to take on India in Asian Cup qualifying. Ahead of the match, he arrived in Bangladesh this week to join up with his teammates. After landing, Choudhury was given a hero’s welcome by fans as he popped his head out of a car sunroof. Photos and videos from his appearance in the vehicle shows the car driving through a crowd of supporters as they mobbed their new player. Speaking after his switch was confirmed, Choudhury told The Athletic: “It’s something that’s been in the works for a couple of years. “I represented England in the youth team, but as my career progressed, it came to fruition that is not an option for me. “It’s something I’ve definitely always had in the back of my mind, that I’d like to represent Bangladesh — and the people of Bangladesh more importantly. X / @vsrsusChoudhury waved to fans as he arrived ahead of his potential debut[/caption] GettyThe Blades loanee switched allegiance from England in December[/caption] “I’ve got a really good connection with the fans in Bangladesh. I get messages every day letting me know that they want me to come and play. “I also feel like it’s something that I wanted to do to have some more exposure for Bangladesh on the footballing stage.” Choudhury will now be hoping to help the Bengal Tigers to qualify for their first Asian Cup since 1980. Bangladesh have already been knocked out of qualification for next summer’s World Cup, though. Javier Cabrera’s side finished bottom of a group featuring Australia, Palestine and Lebanon. However, Spaniard Cabrera can now call upon an FA Cup winner after Choudhury’s arrival with the 27-year-old featured in the win over Chelsea at Wembley in 2021. The Leicester academy graduate has also made 57 Premier League appearances for the Foxes, scoring once from midfield, He has yet to score in nine appearances for the Blades since signing on loan in January.
Leicester player Hamza Choudhury was mobbed by fans after arriving for his first senior international call-up.
The midfielder is in line to make his Bangladesh debut next week after switching allegiances from England.
Choudhury, who is on loan at Sheffield United from Leicester, had previously won seven caps for the Three Lions at under-21 level.
Having also been eligible for Grenada through his dad, the 27-year-old officially switched to Bangladesh in December.
He qualifies for the nation ranked 185th in the world through his mother and could make his debut on March 25.
Choudhury is the only overseas-based player included in the squad to take on India in Asian Cup qualifying.
Ahead of the match, he arrived in Bangladesh this week to join up with his teammates.
After landing, Choudhury was given a hero’s welcome by fans as he popped his head out of a car sunroof.
Photos and videos from his appearance in the vehicle shows the car driving through a crowd of supporters as they mobbed their new player.
Speaking after his switch was confirmed, Choudhury told The Athletic: “It’s something that’s been in the works for a couple of years.
“I represented England in the youth team, but as my career progressed, it came to fruition that is not an option for me.
“It’s something I’ve definitely always had in the back of my mind, that I’d like to represent Bangladesh — and the people of Bangladesh more importantly.
“I’ve got a really good connection with the fans in Bangladesh. I get messages every day letting me know that they want me to come and play.
“I also feel like it’s something that I wanted to do to have some more exposure for Bangladesh on the footballing stage.”
Choudhury will now be hoping to help the Bengal Tigers to qualify for their first Asian Cup since 1980.
Bangladesh have already been knocked out of qualification for next summer’s World Cup, though.
Javier Cabrera’s side finished bottom of a group featuring Australia, Palestine and Lebanon.
However, Spaniard Cabrera can now call upon an FA Cup winner after Choudhury’s arrival with the 27-year-old featured in the win over Chelsea at Wembley in 2021.
The Leicester academy graduate has also made 57 Premier League appearances for the Foxes, scoring once from midfield,
He has yet to score in nine appearances for the Blades since signing on loan in January.
