Hamza Choudhury wasted no time settling in.
The star midfielder arrived in Dhaka on Monday morning and, true to his word, joined the national team’s training session at the National Stadium just hours later in the afternoon.
“Hello, Assalamu Alaikum, everyone. I want to say thank you to all the fans, media and journalists for the warm reception again. I am looking forward to joining the team and preparing for the big game. Inshallah we will be successful and hopefully I will see all the supporters,” Hamza said shortly after arriving at the team hotel.
And he didn’t keep his teammates waiting for long.
With less than six hours to adapt to the travelling and jet lag, Hamza turned up for training the same afternoon, showing the kind of commitment and enthusiasm that has already made him a fan favourite in Bangladesh.
There was a frenzy of excitement surrounding the 27-year-old’s arrival — from the airport to the National Stadium, crowds of fans and media gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse of the midfielder who came through the Premier League system and now proudly wears the red and green.
Security had to guide him through cheering crowds both outside the airport and later at the stadium gates, with hundreds of supporters chanting his name.
Mobile phones were out in force as fans recorded every step of Hamza’s first day back in Dhaka.
The Leicester City man is back with the national team ahead of their crucial Asian Cup Qualifier against Singapore on 10 June.
But before that, Bangladesh will play a friendly against Bhutan on Wednesday — a fixture that could become extra special for fans if Hamza makes his first appearance at home in national colours.
It remains to be seen whether the coaching staff will include him in the Bhutan match, but his early arrival and immediate involvement in training suggest he’s eager to contribute as soon as possible.
Hamza made his debut for Bangladesh in March during a goalless draw against India in Shillong, earning praise for his composure and presence in midfield.
With two international matches lined up and qualification hopes on the line, his return couldn’t have come at a better time.
