Jonathan also represented Wales U-21 in 2008 and since then, he has played in the UK, Australia and Thailand before joining Bangladesh giant Dhaka Abahani Limited last year. He won the premier league and Federation Cup title in his debut season.
The 26-year old talked to
Dhaka Tribune on Saturday at the club premises, ahead of their 2017 AFC Cup tie against FC Bengaluru, scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
Here are the excerpts:
What are your expectations regarding the Bengaluru clash?
We know it is going to be a difficult match. We got to go there and get three points. We believe we can win the game. We need three points. Bengaluru are a strong team. They are in good form, like they were last season where they became the champion. It will be a tough test.
In the absence of foreign recruits Lee Andrew Tuck and Sunday Chizoba, are you getting enough support from your team mates?
They were a big loss. Sunday’s goals and Lee’s goals and assists. We have got new faces here this year, with new coach (Drago Mamic) obviously. We are knowing each other everyday. But I feel every match and every training session, (we are) getting better and better together.
How are you enjoying your new partnership with Emeka Darlington?
I am enjoying. Good match off the pitch as well. This season me and Emeka are staying together. Like I said, it is going to take some time to get the best outputs. Game by game, we are going to improve.
Do you think Abahani have what it takes to repeat the heroics of last season where they finished their league campaign as unbeaten champion?
Need more time. Indian teams are nearly at the end of their league season so they are much better in shape than us, their fitness is better. When new players start to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, I feel we will get better in future.
What is your preferred playing position?
Played many positions. I can play midfield, like I did against Mohun Bagan, last year I played in wings, both right and left. I can also play as striker. I like playing as winger.
How are you enjoying Dhaka?
Yes, I’m really enjoying here. (Friday) everybody was very busy due to Bengali new year. I relaxed at home and speak to my family. Last year, I enjoyed my time here and the life. And this year as well. It’s good.
Did you enjoy your stay in Cardiff?
I lived just outside Cardiff, it was a 20-yard drive from Cardiff. I grew up there and supported the club (when I was a) kid. It was my home team. It was my dream to play for the first team professionally, and also in the championship. It was a great honour for me as well to represent my country in the U-21 level. It was good.
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