His name is Anisur Rahman Ziko. Fans also know him as 'Bajpakhi' of Bengal. After making his debut in the national team in 2020, he has played 29 matches so far. The life of the 27-year-old goalkeeper, once a great hope under Tekathi, turned upside down in an unexpected incident. After that negative incident a year ago, 'Still smoking' is the automatic choice of a time. Now struggling hard to regain lost ground. After March, he got a call to the national team again. Willing to make the playing XI in two FIFA friendlies against Maldives. But he admits that it is difficult. Zico spoke to Bengali Tribune about his abandoned career and future.
Bengali Tribune: He was last in the team against Palestine in March. After that he was out in two FIFA windows. What do you think about being called up to the national team?
Anisur Rahman Ziko: It feels good to be able to play in the national team or to be called up. He did not get a place after the injury in March. Now I am fully fit to play. There are also preparations to take place in the XI. Going to join the residential camp with that expectation.
Bengali Tribune: He is talking about getting a place in the XI. Under the hood, your rivals are now many…
Anisur Rahman Ziko: know that But I am ready. I want to get a place by competing with everyone. I think no one in the Bangladesh team is performing like Emiliano Martinez. Nor does the performer. Maybe I wouldn't have received the call then. I won't even get a chance to play. Everyone else's performance is about the same.
Bengali Tribune: But the Zico we've seen since the beginning is still the same. I mean if there is a performance like that 'Bajpakhi'…
Anisur Rahman Ziko: why not You or the fans have been watching my performance since the beginning. This is because I had the opportunity to play regularly. So I was able to show the performance. Now that opportunity is not happening. How can you see if you can't play?
Bengali Tribune: Your career was turned upside down by a breach of discipline on your return home from the AFC Cup in October last year. The ban has also been punished. Since then you are still fighting with yourself to get back to where you were before. Space is not empty in the absence of someone. Someone takes…
Anisur Rahman Ziko: I actually still regret it. Wrong people do. I did not understand. I still think so. But yes, if those who are playing in my place could go beyond their means and show good game then I would not need to say anything. With respect, if you look at everyone's performance, you will see that there is no one extraordinary. So I say again, if you can perform like Martinez, there was no question.
Bengali Tribune: So why are you still not an automatic choice in the national team.
Anisur Rahman Ziko: I can't say that. But I can say that if you give me a chance to play, I can perform like before. I still have this belief. How can you judge if you can't play now..
Bengali Tribune: Under Javier Cabrera, he was the best goalkeeper in the World Cup held in India. Since then you are very bratya. The Spanish coach knows you. How do you feel now..
Anisur Rahman Zico: This time I played two matches in the AFC Challenge League. Everyone saw how I performed. Besides, I played a preparatory match in Dhaka. I think there was no problem that way. Now, if he stays in the XI against Maldives, then he will have the opportunity to show his previous performance as well. I am hopeful that I will give my best in practice and be in the playing XI. Going to join the residential camp with that hope.
Bengali Tribune: Talking about the AFC Challenge League. There, Bashundhara Kings returned home with zero points. Even lost to the club of Bhutan. Which no team has lost before. Why such a bad result?
Anisur Rahman Zico: We have fallen behind due to injuries and lack of good foreign players. Besides, I got many chances to score, but missed. Our luck was not helping us this time. So could not win any match.
Bengali Tribune: Back to your personal topic. At times, you even resorted to a psychiatrist. Why?
Anisur Rahman Ziko: Yes, I did it for my own betterment. Going to a psychiatrist helped a lot. I think it is needed. Many times going to a psychiatrist can improve many aspects of life.
Bengali Tribune: Bangladesh girls have won the title in SAFF Championship twice in a row. There is a lot of excitement in the country about them. You must be watching it. When will this happen to you? Do you see such a dream in the near future…
Anisur Rahman Zico: Girls won the trophy twice. It is a matter of pride for us. This is proof that our girls have improved a lot. We also lost in extra time in the semi-final last time to Bengaluru. Otherwise, there would have been a chance to play in the final. But we also dream that after 2003, maybe we will win the title once again. There will be an uproar about us. We will also receive an open-air reception! I still have that hope.
Bengali Tribune: Let's talk about the field. Two matches against Maldives, what do you think?
Anisur Rahman Zico: Want to beat Maldives at home. We have that power. Beating them would improve the rankings ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers draw. Next year's Asian Cup qualifiers are important for us.
Bengali Tribune: Last question. After the ban, you returned to Kabarro's team as the third goalkeeper. Was not due to injury. Are you ready to take the pressure of the eleventh game?
Anisur Rahman Ziko: Yes, I am 100% ready. I think you will see the old Zico. If I am given a chance to play regularly. If you get a chance, you will have the opportunity to show your Munsiana. You will see the new performance under which I can perform as before. Then how is it possible..
Bengali Tribune: Good luck to you..
Anisur Rahman Ziko: thank you Everyone pray for me. To get a chance to perform like before.
