Barranquilla Native Pablo sabbag Reveals Years-Long Pursuit by Syria After feeling Overlooked by colombia
BUENOS AIRES – Colombian-born striker Pablo Sabbag has revealed he switched international allegiance to syria after feeling consistently ignored by Colombia national team coach Néstor Lorenzo, despite strong performances for his clubs. Sabbag, currently playing for Suwon FC after stints with Estudiantes, Newell’s Old Boys, and Alianza Lima, stated he first received an invitation from Syria three years ago, but initially declined due to a desire to remain available for Colombia.
“I did not want to give up the Colombia National Team for something so uncertain,” sabbag told The Herald.
he explained that despite outscoring players who were receiving call-ups for local microcycles while playing for Equity, he never received an approach from Lorenzo’s staff. Sabbag specifically recalled being overlooked in favor of an América player who had considerably fewer goals. “They labe a player from America who was a substitute and who had three goals and I had eight,” he said.
Syria renewed their pursuit in december 2023, coinciding with Sabbag’s recovery from an injury and a triumphant run with Alianza Lima, where he was named the team’s best player and top scorer. Though, still no communication came from the Colombian national team.
“Months before taking the step,was waiting for a call from Lorenzo who never arrived,” Sabbag stated. He ultimately accepted Syria’s invitation, participating in the Asian Cup and their World cup qualification process.
Sabbag emphasized the positive experience with Syria, noting the support he received, including travel arrangements for his family to the Asian Cup. Despite his success with Syria, Sabbag expressed a long-held ambition to play for Junior of Barranquilla, directly appealing to owner Fuad Char for a potential signing.
