Aaid Asso: The Unforgettable Moments in My Career Were with Iraq’s Youth Team in the Military World Cup Qualifiers

In the world of football, few players have managed to leave a true mark on the game both at the club and national team levels. Aaid Asso is one of those stars who illuminated the sky of Iraqi football.

Born in Iraq in 1967, Aaid began his football career in the fields of Mosul, where he achieved great success with Al-Mosul Club and several other Iraqi clubs, in addition to his professional stints in Bangladesh.

Aaid Asso’s career has been a blend of challenges and achievements that have made him one of Iraq’s most prominent strikers. He played a crucial role in the national teams, representing Iraq in the Military World Cup qualifiers and winning many titles, such as top scorer in both domestic and international competitions.

After retiring from playing in 1998, Aaid transitioned into coaching, becoming one of Iraq’s most well-known coaches today. In this exclusive interview with Mr. Michel Saber, the editor-in-chief of Morning Stars Magazine, we look back on the illustrious career of Aaid Asso, explore his key football milestones, and discuss his future plans in coaching and his contribution to the development of Iraqi football.

Morning Stars: Your sports career is filled with remarkable experiences and great achievements. Can you tell us about your beginnings in football and how you entered the field?

Aaid Asso: My career started in Mosul, where I played for the Mosul Youth Center team for two years. Then, I joined the Nineveh Youth National Team, and I was very happy with that experience. After that, I joined Al-Mosul Club, which played a significant role in developing my skills as a player.

Morning Stars: You have represented several clubs throughout your career and are considered one of the most prominent names in Iraqi football. Can you tell us about your key moments with the clubs you played for?

Aaid Asso: Yes, I played with several major clubs, such as Al-Fotuwa Club, and later I spent many years with Al-Mosul Club. Then, I moved to Al-Jaish Club, which provided me with many opportunities to develop my skills. Afterward, I played for Al-Shorta Club. I also had a professional experience with the Bangladeshi club Regency in 1995, where I was named the best foreign player in the Bangladesh league, which was one of the highlights of my career.

Morning Stars: What about your experience with the national teams? Were there any unforgettable moments with the Iraq national team?

Aaid Asso: One of the most unforgettable moments in my career was with the Iraq Youth Team during the 1989 Military World Cup qualifiers. I was also part of the Iraqi Police Team, which participated in several important tournaments. In 1995, I was named the best player in the Republic Teams Championship, where I was the top scorer with six goals.

Morning Stars: Throughout your long career playing with various clubs and national teams, were there any players or coaches who had a significant impact on your career?

Aaid Asso: Yes, of course. The Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto was one of the people who left a huge mark on my career. He considered me one of the best players in Asia, which motivated me to always give my best. I also had the opportunity to work with the Romanian coach Vladi Mir at the Bangladeshi league, who confirmed that I was capable of playing with world-class teams.

Morning Stars: You have gone through challenging times, such as injuries, but your performance has always remained high. How did these challenges affect your career?

Aaid Asso: Injuries were a significant challenge for me, especially since they sometimes prevented me from playing continuously. However, I always worked hard to come back stronger and better because football was my passion, and I was always committed to giving my best. Despite the challenges, I was able to return and contribute to achieving goals with my team.

Morning Stars: Now that you’re in a new phase of your career as a coach, what are your future plans? How do you see the development of Iraqi football?

Aaid Asso: Currently, I am working in coaching, and I hope to pass on my experience to the next generation of players. In the near future, I will receive the Pro license from the Asian Football Confederation, which will be an important step in my coaching career. I am also preparing to bring players from Australia for trials with the Iraqi national teams and clubs, which I believe will help develop football in Iraq.

Morning Stars: That’s wonderful! Do you have a final message for your fans and football lovers in Iraq?

Aaid Asso: Of course, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported my sports career throughout the years. I send all my love and respect to my dear fans who have always been my source of strength. I wish everyone success in their lives, and I hope that I have contributed something memorable to the hearts of Iraqi football fans. Thank you, Mr. Saber, and Morning Stars Magazine for this great opportunity.

Morning Stars: Thank you, Captain Aaid . This was an enjoyable and inspiring interview. We wish you the best of luck in your future coaching career, and we are sure you have much to offer Iraqi football.