During the hour we learnt that Abbas loves hot chocolate, Pascal is the No.1 darts player of the Sky Blues followed closely by Abbas and his favourite Cove chant is ‘Sydney score a goal’. To find out more about Ali Abbas follow him on Twitter @abbas86_ali.
Midfielder Ali Abbas hosted the live #SydneyFanChat today and was definitely a fan favourite; as he was over whelmed with questions from the beginning until the end of the chat. During the hour we learnt that Abbas loves hot chocolate, Pascal is the No.1 darts player of the Sky Blues followed closely by Abbas and his favourite Cove chant is ‘Sydney score a goal’. To find out more about Ali Abbas follow him on Twitter @abbas86_ali.
This initiative has become a successful fortnightly engagement for Sky Blue Members and Fans to interact with Sydney FC players, coaches and staff. In two weeks (30 Jan) we will be back with another current Sky Blues player!
Here is a transcript of the 57 questions, with Ali Abbas-s answers.
Nunz: Ale what is it like playing with such a class player Del Piero? Have you learnt a lot from him?
#SydneyFanChat It’s a good experience to play next to him, you can learn more from him. He is a nice person on & off the field
Mitch: Did you swear at ADP and is that the reason you were subbed on the weekend against the Heart?
#SydneyFanChat No
Luke Cevolani: Hi Ali what’s been the biggest difference between playing with the Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC?
#SydneyFanChat It is a big difference, I didn’t play much at Newcastle and I play a lot here
Gligorevic™: You used to be quick when you were at Marconi. You look slow now. What happened?
#SydneyFanChat I don’t think so. I played as striker at Marconi and now I play midfield I have to think more
[m.d]: Ali, who spends longest doing their hair and makeup before a game?
#SydneyFanChat Dimi used to take the most time
[m.d]: Who’s the biggest joker in the squad and what was their best prank?
#SydneyFanChat Seba and Rhyan. The 5c trick, if you know what that is…
Dale Roots: Ali, your story is incredible & you’re an inspiration, but what I wanna know is, who’s the best Asian footballer of all time?
#SydneyFanChat Thank you. In my opinion Ahmed Radhi he is a striker
Zee: Ali you are a significant role model for Middle Eastern footballers/supporters, how do you feel about that?
#SydneyFanChat I am so proud of it and makes me work harder and harder
[m.d]: Ali, what is your favourite ground to play at in the A-League? Which is least favourite?
#SydneyFanChat @AllianzStadium is the best; I don’t have a least favourite
Marcos Mike Tavitian: Ali did you watch the Iraq game today vs. Bahrain? Also is @abbas86_ali your official account?
#SydneyFanChat I watched the highlights because I was sleeping & had training this morning. Yes that’s my account!
Marcos Mike Tavitian: Are you thinking of playing for Iraq again? Also have you gone back since you left for Australia?
#SydneyFanChat Yes I went back once to visit my family. Yeah one day I will play, but I am focusing on @SydneyFC ATM
[m.d]: What is your favourite sweet food?
#SydneyFanChat Ice cream – golden gaytime is my favourite
Naif: What’s with the spat with Del Piero? Explain to us what happened exactly between you and him?
#SydneyFanChat It was the heat of the moment we are both passionate & winners on the pitch and very good friends, it’s forgotten
[m.d]: Who’s better…? The Cove or Squadron? 😉
#SydneyFanChat I am loving playing in front of The Cove right now!
[m.d]: Ali, do you follow any other sports in Australia?
#SydneyFanChat Sometimes I follow the NRL – the Eels, Bulldogs and sometimes St George (because my mate goes for them)
Naif: I’m an Arabic man like you and for that I would like to say congrats for reaching your country to the final in Gulf Cup
#SydneyFanChat Thank you very much
Keith Dawson: How did you enjoy your games as more of a holding midfield player? What do you consider your most comfortable position?
#SydneyFanChat It is up to the coach, I will play anywhere that the Gaffer puts me.
Naif: What is your favourite European club? And what do you think about Juventus?
#SydneyFanChat My favourite team is Man Utd I have always watched
Juventus and they are brilliant and great to watch tactically
Keith Dawson: Do you have a regular pre or post match meal?
#SydneyFanChat Yep I do, I like to have chicken with rice and sometimes pasta!
Naif: Who is the best Italian club in your personal opinion? Do you watch Italian Football?
#SydneyFanChat I like them all and watch Juventus, AC Milan and Inter. I think they are best
David Potkonjak: Have you learnt any Sydney fc chants
#SydneyFanChat I like the ‘Sydney score a goal’ chant
Jason Reyes: Hey Ali, is the style of football in Australia much different to Iraq’s?
#SydneyFanChat I think it’s a little more physical in Australia and a bit more skilful in Iraq
Eng. Bilalou:
#SydneyFanChat I think we won, we didn’t lose the match
Sam Beverley: Who was your #1 football idol when you were growing up?
#SydneyFanChat The Brazilian striker Ronaldo
Keith Dawson: I know you-re sponsored by @schibello_caffe – are you a big coffee fan? Have you got a favourite cafe in Sydney?
#SydneyFanChat I love hot chocolates, especially the ones at @schibello_caffe
ai em ashari: Hi Ali, why do you choose @SydneyFC ? any special there?
#SydneyFanChat Because it’s the biggest club in Australia
David ROMEO: First up you-re an absolute champ mate what do u believe syd fc have to improve on to make the finals?
#SydneyFanChat I think the last couples of games we have improved, we have to keep doing what we are doing to make the top 6
John La Scala: Ali, are you and Alessandro best friends now? 🙂
#SydneyFanChat Yes we’re all good as always.
Dean Rassios: What has been your best moment in football?
#SydneyFanChat Winning the Asia Cup 2007 with the Iraqi National Team
Oujan: How do you think Joel Griffiths will improve the Sydney FC attack? And any thoughts on Bosschaarts’ situation?
#SydneyFanChat I’m so sad for Pascal being out for the season and I think
Joel will score goals and we need that
Naif:
#SydneyFanChat Yes I speak Arabic and I was born in Iraq
Dane Anthony: Hey Ali, what’s your favourite memory so far playing for Sydney?
#SydneyFanChat Beating Wellington in Wellington in early December – great win!
Dane Anthony: Aliii! If you could play in any league in the world, which would it be and what team would you play in?
#SydneyFanChat European League and I would play for Man United
Crodie: Where do you think Rhyan Grants best position is? Defending or Attacking?
#SydneyFanChat That’s up to the Gaffer but he’s been playing fantastic all season
Ned Quealy: Who-s the best at playing fifa in the squad?
#SydneyFanChat Seba and Rhyan are always playing FIFA but I think @rhyangrant is the best
Patrick Harrison: Ali, have you faced racism from the Australian community here, as an #iraqi #asylumseeker?
#SydneyFanChat I haven’t experienced any racism in Australia
Corey Barrera: The season is half over, what would you and the team like to achieve at the end of this season?
#SydneyFanChat The make the top 6 and ultimately win the Championship
Dane Anthony: Ok, Ali. In all honesty, who’s funnier? You or @fabioalves_3 ? And why?
#SydneyFanChat Me probably, but I can’t really tell
pascal bosschaart: Ali who is the best dart player?
#SydneyFanChat No. 1 Pascal No.2 Ali 🙂
Elliott Richardson: What does the team feel their greatest strength is?
#SydneyFanChat I think we have some very skilful players
Ben Mort: Ali! you-re my dad-s fav. he’s the one that waves to you from next to the tunnel! how do you prepare for a big game?
#SydneyFanChat Thanks to your Dad. To prepare I train really hard during the week and try to get a lot of rest 2 days before
Sam Beverley: Do you have any tips for young footballers following their dreams?
#SydneyFanChat If you have a dream you have to fight for it and work hard and believe you and do it.
Lera: What are your tactics for this week-s game?
#SydneyFanChat Get the 3 points, that’s it!
Peter: What hair products do u use to keep you so stylish?
#SydneyFanChat I don’t know what the name of it is!! Do you need some advice? Come and see me.
shanen: ALI ABBAS! (legend) I saw on the news once you were an AUS citizen now? does that mean you can represent Australia?
#SydneyFanChat Thanks mate, no I can’t because I have already played for Iraq and you can-t’ represent two countries
Corey Barrera: Which teams do you like playing against?
#SydneyFanChat Brisbane and Wanderers because it is always a good atmosphere
Alex Wain: Which part of your game do you think has improved the most since you signed for @SydneyFC?
#SydneyFanChat I think keeping the ball much better and physically much better
Joseph [][]: If the opportunity arose during a game Ali, would you be tempted to don the gloves?
#SydneyFanChat Yeah I don’t mind I would take them even though I’m smaller
Karl Power: What-s it like playing for Iraq?
#SydneyFanChat Always good to represent your country
Marc Munro: Do you have any pre game rituals? Are there any strange ones amongst the playing group?
#SydneyFanChat I haven’t seen any to be honest – everyone is just concentrating.
Marcos Mike Tavitian: What’s the most memorable goal you’ve scored?
#SydneyFanChat Against Al-Jawiya club in Iraq in the semi final
J-Dub: Will you move back to live in the Middle East, after retiring?
#SydneyFanChat We’ll see but I would love to stay living here
Awais: Who’s your all-time favourite Manchester United player?
#SydneyFanChat Paul Scholes
Alex Wain: What was it like when you met all the @sydneyfc staff & playing group for the 1st time after signing?
#SydneyFanChat It was really nice; they are great guys very easy going. I was happy to meet them
CHRISTOPHER: Are the Sydney FC players OK with fans going to watch the team train? The kids are very happy to meet the players.
#SydneyFanChat Yes of course and we wish more would come every day to watch us training
Kiran Johal: Who are you getting along with the most in the club?
#SydneyFanChat I get along with everyone at the club, we are happy!
Sydney FC face another huge match as they bid to stay in Finals contention this Saturday evening against bottom of the table Wellington Phoenix. Kick off is at 5,30pm and tickets are priced at just $25 for adults from Ticketek. Let’s Stop The Phoenix Rising and take another step towards finals football!!
