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UFC icon and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has many times expressed his love for football. The now-retired fighter has kept himself busy although away from the octagon. He has taken up more background roles like opening his own MMA production, playing soccer, etc.

Recently, the Dagestani native appeared for an interview where he talked about his desire to get involved in soccer. He also mentioned his preferred destination if he switches to soccer.

via Imago

“Honestly, no,” Khabib said when asked about playing football in Kazakhstan. “If I were to play, it’d probably be in the premier league. Not the Russian one, in England. I’m almost 33, I don’t think I have a future in professional football.”

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“But I want to get involved in football. I have some projects in the works, maybe I’ll create an academy. I am working in that direction and I think you’ll hear about it soon,” he added.

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“As far as playing, you probably understand that going pro at 33 with no amateur background and to be an anchor in a team’s roster isn’t desirable. Professionals play there,” he concluded.

Khabib Nurmagomedov could consider a switch if he finds an interesting offer

Khabib retired from MMA after successfully defending his lightweight gold against Justin Gaethje. The Dagestani mauler retired as the undisputed champion with an unbeaten MMA record.

Since then, many people have tried to guess whether he would again return to the sport or not. But Khabib has stayed adamant that he won’t be making a return to the octagon.

However, he is open to stepping into another venture like football if he gets an interesting offer. Recently, ‘The Eagle’ appeared for a Q & A session on Facebook and answered questions related to soccer.

“If some clubs, they offer me, they make me interesting (offer), I’m gonna accept this,” he told. “Football is, for me, best sport…Football is on another level.”

He further added that although he liked competing with the best fighters in MMA, for him, football is the best sport in the world.

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Well, one can’t question Khabib’s commitment to whatever he is doing. ‘The Eagle’ is a global superstar, and if not inside the octagon, his fans won’t mind seeing their idol inside a soccer field.

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Do you think Khabib would transition into a soccer player soon? Let us know.

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