MALAPPURAM: Malappuram is famous for its undying passion for the beautiful game of football, something which has made the nation sit up and take notice. It has won international attention, thanks to a kid, whose father Inzamam Ul-Haq, a diehard fan of Arsenal, named him after the Gunners' German playmaker Mesut Ozil. The video of the club's interview with the Pulpatta native went viral on social media on Saturday.
WATCH VIDEO
The media team, which was in Kerala to cover the activities of Arsenal Kerala Supporters Club (AKSC), visited Inzamam after coming to know about his deep love for the English Premier League club. An engineer by profession, Inzamam joined AKSC in 2013, but he has been a Gunners fan since his childhood. "I've been an Arsenal fan right from my school days. The strong lineup of exceptional players, including French great Thierry Henry, drew me towards the club," said Inzamam.
Naturally, when his wife Fida Sanam delivered the baby on December 29, 2017, Inzamam thought it perfect to name him after Ozil, the most skilful in Arsene Wenger's side.
"Neither my wife nor family members opposed my decision to name him Ozil," said Inzamam, whose name reminds one of a cricketing great. The glorious days of Arsenal are vivid in the memory of Inzamam who, however, is a bit disappointed the London club are not quite able to repeat that performance now in the EPL and Champions League.
But he sounded optimistic while saying "There are some silver linings." Apart from Inzamam's love affair with Arsenal, the club's video brings to light Malappuram's passion for football.