The Peninsula
Striker Youssef Msakni is hopeful that his loan deal with Belgian club KAS Eupen will open a number of lucrative career options for him in the near future.
The 28-year-old is heading to Europe with Qatar Stars League (QSL) club Al Duhail loaning him to Eupen for a six-month period.
Speaking at a press conference at Aspire Academy yesterday following his medical, the Tunisian international spelled out his priorities for the second half of the season.
“I want to perform at my peak and help my new club. I am also looking forward to playing in the Africa Cup of Nations in June for Tunisia which will be held in Egypt,” said Msakni, who was accompanied by Eupen coach Claude Makelele.
“I am thankful to Al Duhail club and to Qatar for giving me an opportunity to play in Europe through Eupen,” he added.
Msakni has been playing in QSL since 2012 and finished as second top scorer in the league with 25 goals last season, one behind Al Duhail team-mate and Morocco international Youssef El Arabi. He started his career at Stade Tunisien before switching to Esperance in 2008.
At Esperance he won four league titles and a Caf Champions League trophy, before moving to Qatar.
Asked about the earlier offers from English clubs, Msakni said the ‘so called offers’ were all speculative ones.
“I am now looking forward to the challenge of playing in Europe. I am starting a new chapter,” said Msakni, who missed the 2018 World Cup in Russia due to injury.
Mskani has scored nine goals in 49 appearances for his country, including a hat-trick against Guinea which helped Tunisia qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a 12-year absence.
Asked as to whether age was on his side as he pursues his European ambitions.
Msakni said he has many years of football left in him and right now he is at the peak of his career.
Meanwhile, Eupen coach Makelele said Msakni has a lot to offer to football and he can carry forward his European ambitions for many seasons.
“If you look at my career, I made the move to Real Madrid at 27 and then I moved to Chelsea at the age of 30 and played competitive football till the age of 38. So I think Msakni is not far behind the clock,” said the former French international, who ended his club career with Paris Saint-Germain.
Makelele was happy with his clubs preparations at Aspire Academy for the second half of the season.
“During the winter camp in Qatar, we worked hard on the physical, tactical part and various other aspects of the game. We are happy with way things went during the camp and hopefully it will be reflected in some positive results in the Belgian league,” said the 45- year-old, who started his coaching career as an assistant coach with PSG soon after his playing career got over in 2011.
Eupen, with 25 points, are currently placed tenth in the 16-team league with Genk leading with 48 points from 21 matches followed by Club Brugge, who have 41 from the same number of matches.