We wanted Cannavaro to come – Masharipov

Uzbekistan national team midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov said he had been away from training due to an injury suffered at the start of the season, but is now physically recovering and preparing to return. He added that he is using every opportunity available, considering the national team’s participation in the World Cup. He spoke about this on the “Live 360” program.

“I am feeling good. I have started group training and I am preparing. My only problem is physical fitness,” Masharipov said.

He also noted that he has met the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Fabio Cannavaro, and that the team leaders discussed what needs to be done in the upcoming matches.

“When I went to Dubai during the FIFA days, I met Cannavaro. On the day he arrived, he watched all the national team matches and asked who the number 10 was. He knew I was an important player in competitions and told me I should be in the team,” he said.

Masharipov also spoke about former head coach Srečko Katanec.

“Katanec left the national team due to health problems. He did everything for Uzbekistan and always supported us. The UFA asked our opinion about whether he should stay or leave. Shukurov and I said we wanted him to remain because we respect him a lot. If possible, we wanted him to stay with his staff and watch the matches on TV,” he said.

He also commented on the rivalry between Iran and Uzbekistan.

“In previous matches, we often found ourselves in difficult situations against Iran, but now we are not afraid to play them. Under Queiroz, they were a strong team and there were problems, but in recent matches our fear has disappeared. We played well against Egypt, and we know Iran very well. I think it’s better to face new opponents, but in this match Uzbekistan will win,” Masharipov said.

According to him, when the association was negotiating with Cannavaro, they first obtained approval from the team captains.

“The UFA informed us, the three captains, that they wanted to speak with Cannavaro, and we supported it because he was a great player,” he said.

Masharipov added that he wants to help the national team during the 2026 World Cup. He considers Portugal and Morocco to be strong opponents and said he is working to reach peak physical form.

“My goal is to stay in my best shape and help my club and the national team. I will use all my opportunities to achieve this,” he stated.

For reference, Jaloliddin Masharipov last played for the Uzbekistan national team in June of this year. Due to injury, he missed three consecutive training camps.