Riyadh: The turn of the last millennium may seem like a lifetime for most but for Al Hilal icon Mohammad Al-Shalhoub, the jubilant scenes of that fateful night in April 2000 have stuck with him throughout his career.
Spurred by a capacity home crowd at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Al Hilal came from behind to stun Japan’s Jubilo Iwata 3-2 in extra-time, clinching the Asian Club Championship trophy only for the second time in their illustrious history.
“I remember it clearly, of course. It was an indescribable feeling and particularly special for me since it was during the earlier part of my Al Hilal career.
“I still remember that most of the players from the Japanese team were very strong and it was a great joy, especially when we scored the second goal to equalise in the dying minutes of the second half, before finally snatching the win in extra-time,” said the veteran, who is the only Al Hilal player still in today’s squad.
Despite being a dominant force on the domestic front, the West Asians have yet to land their hands on the ultimate prize since the AFC Champions League revamp in 2009, coming closest in 2014 when they were narrowly beaten by Western Sydney Wanderers in the final.
This is an enigma Al-Shalhoub is determined to rectify as his side prepare to take on another Japanese side in Urawa Red Diamonds in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final on November 18 at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Al Hilal is an important club. Everyone in the continent knows who we are. The championships, the number of titles, they speak for themselves. Our aspiration is to win every match and every championship and this title is especially important for us. ”
Al Shalhoub’s impact on Al Hilal has been undeniable.
A rare breed in the modern game, the diminutive midfielder is a proud member of the one-club-men, leading his side to six Saudi Professional League and 11 Crown Prince Cup titles since making his debut in 1998.
Having seen nearly two decades of Al Hilal’s transformation, the attacking midfielder, who is also part of the exclusive centurion club for the Green Falcons, is adamant that the current crop of players are some of the best he has played alongside.
“Every year Al Hilal try to put together the best group of players but honestly, this group is the best.
“They are the most talented and definitely the most professional, worthy of playing in the biggest stages. Many of the players in this team were also instrumental in helping the national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup and it is a clear indication of their abilities.”
Judging by the adulation from the Al Hilal faithful at their training base in Al Uraija, it is easy to see why Al-Shalhoub is so deeply entrenched as part of the club’s fabric; and it would be hard to imagine him in anything other than their trademark blue and white.
At 36 though, Al-Shalhoub acknowledges that his best days are behind him, adding the victory over the two legs will serve as the perfect swansong to a distinguished career.
“I always live for the moment, I do not know about the future, but yes, I want to win this for Al Hilal and perhaps look into coaching in the future.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com