EPL team Watford’s head coach Rob Edwards has said Hamza Dewan Choudhury, the first English professional footballer of Bangladeshi descent, can become an inspiring figure for the next generation if he chooses to play international football for Bangladesh.
The former England U21 midfielder, who has Grenadian and Sylheti roots, last week opened the door to the possibility of playing for Bangladesh in an interview, reports UNB.
Hamza's popularity in Bangladesh factors in his desire to represent the South Asian country. He also wants to reconnect with his roots in Bangladesh.
The 24-year-old said he is open to playing for Bangladesh, adding he would be "more than proud" and "honoured" to represent the country.
Edwards told media that Hamza can give the next generation of youngsters a renewed sense of belief if he decides to play for Bangladesh. "I think it could be a fantastic thing if that is what he chooses to do."
"I think he can be a real beacon for young Bangladeshi kids, who could look to him and say I can do that."
"Hamza can be a real shining light as someone who can encourage others to take up the sport. If he chooses to do it, I think it could be really positive for a lot of people."
The midfielder, who struggled for minutes at Leicester last season, has been a mainstay in Edwards' side since joining the Hornets on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
His arrival at Watford last month was greeted with delight by the club's East and South East Asian fans' group, ESEA Hornets, who said they were thrilled to welcome a British Asian to the football club.
"Definitely the best is yet to come from him, no doubt about it. He is a very good young player and a very good person as well," Edwards said.
Hamza was born in 1997 in Loughborough, England. His mother and stepfather are both from Bangladesh. So, he can represent Bangladesh if he wants to.
The midfielder's ancestral hometown is Bahubal, Habiganj. Due to his upbringing in a typical Bengali-Muslim family, he speaks Bangla fluently. Hamza's biological father is from Grenada. So, he can also represent the Grenada national football team.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
