Opening statement
"I thank everybody for listening today; it's a pretty special day. This is something I have waited for my whole life. To finally get a call-up is amazing and I can’t thank enough my family and friends, my teammates and everyone with the Crew. Without them, this dream wouldn’t be possible. I have to thank the coaches as well for believing in me."
On committing his international future to the Iraq National Team…
“The number one focus was the Iraq National Team. It has always been my focus. My family comes from back home, that’s my culture, I was born and raised with it. That was my dream and it was a goal I always wanted. I'm just so happy to be a part of it now."
On whether the call up is coming at the perfect time…
"Yeah, most definitely. It's been about two years trying to get everything organized with paperwork. I feel like maybe two years ago, I probably wouldn’t have been ready. Maybe I would have went there and may have not shown my true talent level. Here I am under Gregg Berhalter’s system and my talents have really come out. I'm just playing the best soccer that I have and as a team we are [too]. When a team is doing well and a team is playing great and having a great season, I think players stand out too, and I was just so happy that the call-up came now with great form. I want to take what we did with the Crew and take it to the national level."
On how he thinks he fits in to the Iraq National Team…
"I've talked to guys on the team and I know about the coach and the system they play. It's just going to be one of those things where I have to get acclimated with the team and train and see what the best position will be for me under the system with the National Team. They play a 4-4-2, so I am going to be a second forward or one of the outside [midfielders]. It's just one of those things that I'm excited to get there, meet everybody, train, be around the guys and just know everybody and take it from there."
On how the call-up compares to starting his professional career with the Crew…
"It's like the beginning of two different things. From college to the Crew was a dream, and once you get to this level, you want to do well, compete, play, start, contribute and get wins for the club. Hopefully, you can get up to the international level, and that was the next goal. I'm so thankful and fortunate that it came at this time. I am just super happy. Playing international soccer is something that not many people get to do and I am going to cherish this moment for a long time."
On how the experience will help in continuing his development as a player…
"That's a good question. I think that it's going to help me develop a lot. It's going to open up my eyes to a whole different level of soccer and it's another step, so I have to be really prepared and focused and take everything in when I get there. It is going to be interesting to see how training sessions go and training camps. The Gulf Cup is a really big tournament. It's just going to be one of those getting to know everybody [situations], and just learn as much as I can: learn how the guys play, the style of play, the coaches' philosophy and really just taking it all in. I'm going in with no expectations. It is an international team with a rich tradition, they have been playing really well over the best couple of years. Winning the [AFC Asian Cup] in 2007 was a huge deal for the country. I just want to go there and hopefully bring some trophies back as soon as possible."
On being a part of a team that can come to international prominence…
"I'm extremely happy. It's one of those where you have got to forget the past and all the negativity and look at the positives. They are on the rise and they are making a name for themselves. I'm just glad I can be a part of it and can help out in any way possible. They have some tremendous players, guys that play in Europe and big clubs in the Middle East. Hopefully, I can take what I have learned from MLS and go over there and just help out. Speaking to some of the guys on a daily basis has helped me get acclimated with how things are run over there. The main focus is just doing well and bringing great success to a beautiful country."
On issues with security in Iraq and his personal history with the country…
"I know the National Team and security – everything's fine. I feel secure wherever I need to be with the National Team, whether it's heading to Saudi Arabia for the Gulf Cup or heading back to the nation's capital. I'm secure with any games or anyplace we need to play. My family was born and raised there. I've never been back home. Obviously, growing up it's a little bit harder to travel, you're busy with college and school and things like that, and playing. I've never been back. I'm excited too, when we have games out there. Security and everything like that is not a worry to me."
On if he's spoken to any Crew teammates about the experience…
"I spoke to Kevan George, a class guy on our squad. He actually played with Trinidad in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, the capital. I was asking him what he did when he was there, what he brought on some of the trips. I spoke to Kei Kamara in the locker room about the long flights, what he brings, some snacks or something for eating, things like that. Both of them helped me with things I need to bring, what to look for, places to go visit – those guys really helped me. This is my first time leaving anywhere outside the U.S., really. I'm thankful for those guys to help me out with that."
On the quick turnaround before the Gulf Cup of Nations…
"I want to go in right away and contribute, score and help the team win. I want to do all that. I don't want to go in there and kind of just take it in. I want to go in and compete and bring victories to the nation. I'm playing the best soccer I probably have in my whole career. I'm healthy. I'll have enough time in between games to really prepare and get ready for the matches."
On if any of his family plans to join him for the trip…
"Unfortunately, my family will not make this trip due to the quick turnaround from the Playoffs in MLS. I'm currently still in Boston, headed on a flight tonight. It would be tough for them to make it out. I think in the near future they'll be attending some trips with me for some international games."
On what he attributes to his recent on-field success…
"It's a combination of both [my teammates and the coaching staff]. Gregg Berhalter has really brought out the best in my ability. I have to give him credit right now. His system and his belief in players and the addition of Josh Wolff as an attacking coach, I've really picked his brain a lot and learned a lot about my movement off the ball, not so much just on the ball, has helped me as well. The combination of both of them, and my teammates and the way we play – all of that together fit my style. I was always a guy who wanted to be on the ball and play beautiful soccer. In years past, it was more of a direct style that really didn't fit me and it was tough to get used to. I have to give credit to the coaching staff and my teammates."
On the national pride he anticipates feeling in representing Iraq…
"I have full pride … I've thought about my culture all the time within the locker room with the guys or friends outside of soccer. They know how proud I am of Iraq, where I come from, the culture and things like that. To wear the jersey is going to be a dream come through. I'm going to get goosebumps, maybe get a little teary-eyed. I can't wait for that moment. It's going to be one I'm going to cherish for the rest of my life."
