Barranquilla Native Pablo sabbag Reveals Years-Long Pursuit โby Syria After feeling Overlooked โby colombia
BUENOS AIRES – Colombian-born striker Pablo Sabbag has revealed he switched international allegiance to syria after feeling consistently ignored by Colombia national teamโ coach Nรฉstor Lorenzo, despiteโฃ strong performances for his clubs. Sabbag, currently playing for Suwon FC after stints with Estudiantes, Newell’s โOld Boys, and Alianza Lima, stated he first received an invitationโ from Syria three years ago, but initially declined due to a desire to remain available for Colombia.
“I โคdid not wantโค to give up the Colombia โNational Team for something so uncertain,” sabbag told The Herald.
he explained that despite outscoring players who were receiving call-ups โฃfor local microcycles โwhile โฃplaying for Equity, he never received โan approach from Lorenzo’s staff. Sabbag specifically recalled being overlooked in favorโ of โคan Amรฉrica player who had considerably โfewer goals. “Theyโ labe โขa โขplayer from America who was a substitute and who hadโ three goals and โI had eight,” heโ said.
Syria renewed their pursuit in december 2023, coinciding with Sabbag’s recovery from an โคinjury and a triumphant run withโฃ Alianza Lima, where he was named the team’s best player and top scorer. Though,โ still no communication came from the Colombian national team.
“Monthsโข before taking the step,was waiting for a callโฃ fromโ Lorenzo whoโข never arrived,”โ Sabbag โstated. โHe 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 heโค received, including travel arrangements for โhis family to the Asian Cup. Despite his success โwith Syria, Sabbag expressed a long-held ambition to play for Junior of Barranquilla, directly appealing to owner Fuad Char for aโ potential signing.