Rarely will you find a player as loved as Justin Meram. Born and raised in the United States, he chose to represent Iraq in a decision that has led to him gaining a huge and loyal following of Iraqis from across the world. With the 2019 Asian Cup on the horizon, we sat down with the Lion of Mesopotamia to discuss his past four years on the international scene as well as his future ambitions for club and country – and he answers some of your questions too!

You’re back in Saudi Arabia, a country where you made your debut four years ago! How has the team changed in this period and how has it all been for you overall?

It’s completely changed. From my first time in Saudi Arabia, there were a lot of nerves, my first time playing international football. I had no idea what it was about. Now I’m coming here with over four years’ experience, I know a lot of the guys and speak more Arabic. Coaches have changed over the years. For me, it’s been completely different from the first time I arrived until now but hopefully, with this new coaching staff and these big friendly matches we can grow as a team and do well moving forward to the Asian Cup.

Iraqi player Justin Meram fights for the ball with Kuwait’s Hussain… Iraqi player Justin Meram fights for the ball with Kuwait’s Hussain Fadel and Talal Al-Amer during their Gulf Cup football match at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in Riyadh on November 14, 2014. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

What’s it been like with the new boss, Srečko Katanec, albeit it’s still early?

I’ve only had a few days with him but he’s a guy who speaks English, he’s communicating sometimes with Ali Adnan in Italian. He’s a well-rounded coach that likes to have a laugh but is also really serious. What I like about him is no matter the opponent, he wants to win and has belief. In a football match, anything can happen. You have to go out with spirit, pride, strength and give everything you have. If you don’t win then you learn from it but if you win then you keep growing from that.

Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec trains the Iraqi football team at the… Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec trains the Iraqi football team at the Franco Hariri Stadium, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous regionin Arbil, on September 5, 2018. – the new… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

How was it going head to head with South American giants Argentina in the Superclásico Championship?

It was my first game against a team from South America and it was exciting to see how our level compared with a top country. I think we did pretty well in the first-half to counter Argentina and had some good moments in attack but playing five at the back made it tough to win the ball higher up. This caused the team to naturally sink in and stay compact. We made changes in the second-half and the Argentines put away their chances. All in all, they were a great opponent that tested us and we must grow from this experience in a positive way.

Argentina’s Maximiliano Meza vies for the header with Iraq’s Osama… Argentina’s Maximiliano Meza vies for the header with Iraq’s Osama Rashid during a friendly football match between Argentina and Iraq at the Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on October 11, 2018. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Have you enjoyed playing alongside Bashar Resan? Bashar was Iraq’s man of the match, but it was sadly overshadowed by the passing of his mother before kick-off.

Bashar, I love this guy. I think everybody in the national team does. He’s a fantastic footballer and plays for the biggest club in Iran but off the field he’s so nice, caring and has great humour. I always enjoy playing with him and we speak Arabic/English together. It was with heavy hearts we received the news – may his mother rest in peace. God’s blessings to Bashar and the Resan family and we pray they can stay strong through this difficult moment.

Bashar Resan of Iraq fights for the ball with Ibrahim Al Khob of… Bashar Resan of Iraq fights for the ball with Ibrahim Al Khob of Jordan and Saed Al Rosan of Jordan during the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 Group C match between Iraq and Jordan at Changshu Sports… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

How was it growing up as an Iraqi-American during a really hostile time?

My parents did a wonderful job raising me. They made sure I understood the American culture without losing sense of where I come from. Being a Chaldean Iraqi I’m extra proud of playing for the national team. It’s one of the greatest achievements I’ve had in football to represent a whole country. Putting the shirt on and doing well on a big stage gives me great pride. As an Iraqi-American living in the States, we grew up eating Iraqi food all the time and speaking Chaldean in the house. I never lost touch with my culture even though I was in the States. Eventually when I became a professional and how I got into the national team was all pretty special. I’m just glad I can keep playing at a high level. I’ve noticed lately I’ve been a bigger presence on the pitch, more comfortable, understanding the language better and speaking a little bit more Arabic. The more years you play, the better you become. That’s what I believe. Hopefully, I can have a good Asian Cup as well.

Justin Meram of Iraq attempts to score during the 2018 FIFA World Cup… Justin Meram of Iraq attempts to score during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between UAE and Iraq at Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium on November 15, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Were you approached by USMNT as a youth player?

Never at the youth level but when I was making the decision to play for Iraq my head coach at the time called me and said Jürgen Klinsmann might bring you in for a camp in January. He wanted to know if I was sure about choosing Iraq. For me, Iraq was the first to call. My heart was set to play for my country, my background, where my family and I come from. Through and through, I’m an Iraqi. I come from two Iraqi parents so, for me, I’m 100% Iraqi even though I was born in the States.

Justin Meram of the Columbus Crew celebrates his goal in the second… Justin Meram of the Columbus Crew celebrates his goal in the second half against FC Dallas on May 12, 2012 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated FC Dallas 2-1. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Last year, you played in Iraq for the first time since the ban was lifted. How was that experience?

It’s hard for me to describe that moment playing there. It gives me chills. Something about playing in a country that’s so passionate about football with that many people cheering you on. You’re playing for something bigger than yourself. I have great joy to do well for the people of Iraq. Hopefully, we can play more games there more times of the year. I think it would be good for everybody.

Syria’s Jihad Albour and Iraq’s Justin Hikmat Azeez vie for the ball… Syria’s Jihad Albour and Iraq’s Justin Hikmat Azeez vie for the ball during the international friendly match Iraq vs Syria at Basra Sports City stadium in the southern Iraqi city on March 27, 2018. / Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Do you think that the World Cup Qualifiers would have turned out differently had our games been played at home?

100 million percent! Of course. We were missing that. We had a strong team. Some results we were maybe winning and ended up drawing or losing because we didn’t have a home advantage that every other nation had.

This January, Iraq embark on another Asian Cup campaign. How do you rate our chances in the competition?

This is a big tournament. My first game was the Khaleej in 2014 and quickly after a couple of months was the Asian Cup. I didn’t fully understand how big a tournament it was until the years went past. It’s a really big deal and I can’t wait to play. We’ll be as good as we want to be if we prepare the right way and have the right mentality. More time with the coaching staff, their philosophy and tactics. Anything is possible as long as we believe together as a group. Inshallah, we can step onto the field together and do well.

Dhurgham Ismael of Iraq celebrates scoring a penalty goal in extra… Dhurgham Ismael of Iraq celebrates scoring a penalty goal in extra time against Iran during their AFC Asian Cup quarter-final football match in Canberra on January 23, 2015. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

You moved to Orlando earlier in the season but of course are now back in Columbus. Can you tell us a little bit more about what happened?

It was a situation that didn’t work out. The coach that brought me got fired. New coaches came in with a different philosophy. It wasn’t the best fit but that happens in football. A lot of guys go places, it doesn’t work out and they move on quickly. It may be a bigger headline because I ended up back at the same team. It was a situation where they were in need of the position I left. I was in need of going back to the team that made me who I am today. Overall it was a blessing for me that coaching staff and the guys in Columbus were willing to bring me back.

Orlando City forward Justin Meram walks to the field before the… Orlando City forward Justin Meram walks to the field before the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and DC United on March 3, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Over to you, Lions…

Mario Jergees on Twitter @SoccerIraq @JustinMeram Who is the one you always share rooms with in the NT? #askmeram

It always changes. Right now I’m with Osama Rashid, sometimes Rebin Sulaka, Ahmed Ibrahim or Ali Adnan. Every trip it changes. The national team squad is not always the same players all the time. It’s always good to have someone that can speak Arabic and English so I can learn a little bit more.

Pierre on Twitter @SoccerIraq @JustinMeram Is it hard to communicate with your teammates because of a language barrier? #AskMeram

In years past for sure but now my Arabic is getting stronger and I can understand more. Communication with the guys is much easier. On the field, if you speak football, anyone can understand.

bigshaq on Twitter @SoccerIraq @JustinMeram #AskMeram most skillful team mate in the national team

I would say Ali Adnan. He’s playing at a high level right now in Italy. He understands the game not just tactically but mentally in how he approaches the game. I think he’s doing a fantastic job.

Justin Meram and Ali Adnan of Iraq celebrates during the 2018 FIFA… Justin Meram and Ali Adnan of Iraq celebrates during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Thailand and Iraq at Rajamangala Stadium on September 8, 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

JaffarK7 on Twitter @SoccerIraq @JustinMeram #askmeram Do you ever think of moving to the top 5 leagues in Europe and have you ever been close to?

In years past, it was possible. At this point in my career, with my age, I would love to. I still have a couple more years left in my MLS contract but I would love to play in one of the Arab leagues. I think it’d be fantastic for me to be playing in this side of the world.

IraqiFellow on Twitter 1. Does changing coaches continuously impact players’ performance? 2. Are you leaving Columbus? If yes, where to? #AskMeram

Of course. New coaches mean new philosophy. New training, new meetings and new everything. It changes the player’s performance. One coach will see you as a fantastic individual playing left-mid and another will see you as a number ten. Every coach has their own view of the game and tactics the players must address. With the national team always changing coaches it’s slowing down some of the progression we want to take.

. on Twitter AskMeram who was your favourite player and team growing up?

It was actually an Argentine – Gabriel Batistuta. It’s funny that’s the answer! When I was younger my older brother and I loved Batistuta. He wore number nine and was a goalscorer. Something about his name and his hair. I loved watching him play.

Argentine soccer star Gabriel Batistuta celebrates after scoring the… Argentine soccer star Gabriel Batistuta celebrates after scoring the first goal against Chile 29 March at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires in their World Cup 2002 qualifying match. Batistuta 13… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

When Cristiano hit the mainstream European scene and played for Manchester United, that’s who I followed because of him. Then as he moved to Real Madrid they became my team. Wherever Ronaldo goes that’s who I support. I think I’m still always going to be a Real Madrid fan. Something about him there is always going to leave a love for me. It’s a pleasure watching Madrid.

رضاوي ابن جويده on Twitter @SoccerIraq @OrlandoCitySC @JustinMeram What is your favourite iraqi club ? And who is the best player in the world ? #AskMeram

Al-Zawraa. The all whites! If I ever go play in Iraq one day, hopefully, that club will sign me. I know Falah Hassan, the president. I know of him and his family and that would be the club that I think would be the best and I’d love to play for them one day, maybe later down the road. Who knows. I’ve seen some highlights and the fans in the stadium can get pretty electric so Al-Zawraa, for me, is number one.

Fans watch the AFC Cup football match between Iraq’s Al-Zawraa club… Fans watch the AFC Cup football match between Iraq’s Al-Zawraa club and Lebanon’s Al-Ahed club at the Karbala Sports City stadium on April 10, 2018. Iraq is hosting a foreign football club for a… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

At this very moment, I have so much respect for Ronaldo. For what he’s been able to do in so many leagues and Champions Leagues. He’s always been the greatest but Messi is more gifted and dictates the tempo. It’s pretty impressive to see one individual control the tempo at all times. Fascinating really. However, you see Real Madrid now without Ronaldo, they haven’t scored a goal in four games. I can’t choose one or the other so I’m just blessed to be living in a time playing football whilst they are still playing as well.

Ghaith Al-Naeme on Twitter @SoccerIraq @JustinMeram Bamya or Fasolia? #AskMeram

Bamya for sure!