Reading and Oman goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is used to putting out fires and saving lives – now his only burning desire for a Premiership return.
The hugely likeable shot stopper spoke exclusively to Onside PR as part of PharmaNutricals ‘PN Meets’ feature.
Ali Al-Habsi is a former FA Cup winner with Wigan Athletic and hero to millions in the Gulf State, talked religion, his footballing career and about his former career as a fire-fighter.
That’s right – a fire-fighter!
Where it not a twist of fate the 33-year-old could still be serving as part of the Muscat International Airport Fire Service. Instead, he is thinking only about Reading FC and getting their promotion push back on track.
Fireman
Al-Habsi, said: “When I finished school I went to work as a fireman because I had to find a job, to take care of my family and then on the other side I played football.
“I worked for nine to 10 months as a fireman and to be honest I really liked it, I really enjoyed it.
“As a fireman you have to be ready, you have to be fit and that is the way it is in football, fit, ready and concentrating for any emergency things and this is the way of a fireman.”
That experience will prove crucial as Reading bid to get their season, and their push for promotion back to the Premier League, back on track.
Madjeski
A difficult 2015 ended with manager Steve Clarke being relieved of his duties and former boss Brian McDermott returning to the Madjeski Stadium.
He added: “He added: “I think the club is ready, we have fantastic Stadium, fantastic training ground, great people around, the owner. They want the club to be back in the Premier League. For any player you want to be in the best and the best league in the world is the Premier League.
“I have been there for many years with Bolton, with Wigan and now when I came here I said it was my dream to go back to the Premier League. We have fantastic support, everyone is excited this year at home and away and the support has helped the team.”
Read Ali Al-Habsi Interview In Full
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