The Turkish news agency Anadolu published an interview with the captain of the Uzbekistan national football team, Eldor Shomurodov. In the interview, it was noted that in recent years Uzbekistan has achieved significant success in sports, especially in football, and that Uzbek football players have gained popularity not only within the country but also among foreign fans, spreading the country's fame.
The main character of the conversation is Eldor Shomurodov, who is currently playing for "Istanbul Bashakshehir." According to the source, he was the top scorer in his first season in the Turkish Super League, scoring 12 goals in 17 games. This is not only the result of one footballer, but is also seen as a sign of increased interest and attention to Uzbek football in foreign fields.
Speaking about the growth of Uzbek football in recent years, Eldor emphasized the great attention paid by the head of state to football in achieving such results. In his opinion, the wide opportunities provided to young people in various fields are yielding results.
"Young people are provided with broad opportunities in every sphere. As a result, young people are demonstrating their potential and reaching new heights. "I think that over the past 10-15 years, we have experienced a great rise," said Eldor.
The topic of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is also highlighted in the interview. According to Shomurodov, Uzbekistan's entry into the World Cup for the first time in history was a great joy for the people, and now the team is seriously preparing for this competition.
"Our goal is to participate worthily, to showcase Uzbekistan to the world in football as well. There was always an opportunity to leave the group. We will not limit ourselves to participation, but will fight for a good result. Most importantly, we will compete worthily with strong national teams," the footballer said.
During the conversation, Eldor also recalled the game against the United Arab Emirates, which opened the way to the 2026 World Cup. He noted that it was this match that remained in his memory as the most memorable.
"It was the most memorable game. It was this match that allowed us to participate in the World Cup. That day, my entire football career flashed before my eyes," Shomurodov said.
Eldor didn't just talk about football. He also spoke warmly about national values, traditions, and Uzbek cuisine. According to him, Uzbek cuisine is not inferior to Turkish cuisine, there are historical cities in the country such as Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, and in Tashkent, there have been big changes in recent years. The idea that "a person who comes to Uzbekistan does not regret" is expressed in the same spirit.
"Uzbek cuisine is not inferior to Turkish cuisine. Along with our diverse national dishes, we also have historical cities like Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara. Many changes have also taken place in Tashkent. There are many beautiful destinations. In short, anyone who visits Uzbekistan will never regret it," said the Uzbek footballer.
Shomurodov currently has 13 goals and 3 assists, while Istanbul Bashakshehir sits in 6th place in the league table with 26 points after 18 games.
The conclusion is one: the main mood in Eldor's interview is trust and responsibility. On the one hand - the World Cup, which has been the people's long-held dream, and on the other - the opportunity to showcase Uzbek football itself to the world. Now, the most important thing is to reinforce this confidence with preparation, discipline, and on-field character.
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