Following his exciting news about a multi-year contract extension with Columbus Crew SC, midfielder Justin Meram had a difficult announcement to make. The Shelby Township, Michigan native shared via social media that he will not be joining the Iraq National Team for its next two 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification matches.

“I’m very sad about it, but I’m sure and hopeful in the near future that I’ll be back with the national team,” Meram says.

However, the response from supporters has been overwhelmingly positive.

“All in all, I was surprised and thankful about how supportive my fans are and I’m very blessed to have a whole country supporting me in this decision,” he says. “It was never easy.”

Meram has 22 senior caps all-time with the Iraq National Team, including seven appearances in World Cup Qualification. His first call-up was on November 10, 2014 and his most recent was last November.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Meram says. “I’ve worked so hard with the national team in World Cup Qualifying matches and in trying to make it to Russia. I’m definitely going to watch and cheer them on and pray for the team to do well.”

The Lions of Mesopotamia are set to play Australia on March 23 in Tehran and current Group B leader, Saudi Arabia, on March 28 in Jeddah.

“Two tough matches—Australia obviously has a lot of quality. […] I believe that we can play with anybody at our best and I’m really interested to see how we come out; but I see it as a job that we can get done.”

Meram’s next match with Crew SC is this Saturday, March 18 against D.C. United at RFK Stadium.