Udinese presents Ali Adnan as first Iraqi player in Serie A

AP

UDINE, Italy (AP) — Fullback Ali Adnan Kadhim has been presented as the first Iraqi player in Serie A.

Udinese acquired the 21-year-old Adnan from Turkish club Caykur Rizespor, and signed him to a five-year contract.

Adnan says, "I'm going to give my all to represent my country well, and I hope to do great things for this club."

Adnan was asked about his ties to Iraq's army. He says he's not a member, but that he did take part in an advertisement for the army, adding "I like to represent my country only in football."

He says his idol was Brazil great Roberto Carlos, who was also a fullback.

In 2013, Adnan was named Asia's young footballer of the year after leading Iraq to fourth in the Under-20 World Cup.