Resilience. That is the word that best describes this new thing Paul Sabbag, who had a dream start to the year thanks to his goals and was voted the best player of the Apertura tournament, was not even on the bench for a long time due to an ankle injury and was also involved in a controversial party. But the “Sheikh”, as he likes to be called, was given a new opportunity to make up for all the bad things and show that he really is the key footballer that they really bet on at Alianza Lima and that all the fans are excited to see to see.
The 26-year-old striker spoke EXCLUSIVELY to La República Deportes and told us absolutely everything. From his joy at a return match with the blue and white club, the bad weather he endured during the injury, the party he was involved in, his wishes for 2024 and more.
YOU CAN SEE: Alianza Lima secured the goals: Hernán Barcos and Pablo Sabbag extended for 2024
What are your first feelings after the extension at Alianza Lima and how did that happen?
Happiness, that's the word I can say now. I wanted to stay, I wanted to continue here. When I arrived here we spoke with Professor Restrepo, but I had the opportunity to speak with him beforehand Bruno Marioni and told him that I wanted to continue in Alianza Lima because I was very happy.
Also, before my vacation, I told all the managers when they would extend me because I wanted to stay and put pressure on them. Thank God I can stay here for another year.
How do you take the fact that you are one of the few players who have extended after the departure of several players from Alianza Lima?
I feel very happy, fortunate and thank God because I know all the changes that have taken place in the team. I don't know if they are good or bad, but it is normal when the expected goals are not achieved.
Although I had to miss several games and months because of a problem that overwhelmed me because it was an injury, I was given the opportunity to continue and I know that they trust me. That's what excites me the most, that they believed in me, that they gave me the opportunity to show everything I'm capable of, and unfortunately I couldn't because of the injury.
What message do you give to the Alianza Lima fan who initially supported you but then criticized you for your injuries?
I want to tell you that I love this team very much. In the short time I've been here I've grown very fond of it and I thank all the fans who have supported me from day one and those who continue to do so.
I know there are some who don't like me and I understand that because this sport is based on results and I had a problem with my ankle which meant I was away for a long time and we didn't achieve our goals and I understand the anger of the fans.
What happened to the controversial party in which they were captured along with other Alianza Lima footballers?
I never talked about it because the finale was coming up and I didn't want to make something that I wanted to put behind me more important because important things were coming up and I wanted to take advantage of this moment because I wanted to apologize to everyone who felt like I was there takes offense. I accept that it wasn't the right time for this.
It should be noted that the next day we had a day off and it was a colleague's wife's birthday, everything was fully booked, but unfortunately we didn't get any results and let the Clausura go and we were injured, the fan too and it wasn't the one right time, so I apologize.
I also want to clarify that the money I threw away is fake. I saw a lot of comments from fans who thought that this is the money we left in Matute to watch them, and even if I had money left over, I would never throw it away. The most important thing is that I made a mistake and I apologize for that. The fan can rest assured because I will do my best.
What do you want to achieve in 2024 other than winning with Alianza Lima?
We want to qualify for the round of 16 Libertadores Cup and fight from there. I'm not telling you that we want to become champions of the Libertadores, but that we want to go step by step. Qualify for the eighth first. When we are there we will see the quarters, the semi-finals, etc…
We have to do it and we will work very hard at it from now on. In December we start the preseason and we will start everything and I know that with what is to come and the technical command we will achieve it.
Have you noticed that this Alianza Lima 2024 is stronger than 2023?
There are some missing reinforcements that haven't arrived yet, and I know what they are, but I won't reveal them. I don't know whether stronger or less strong, but I know that very good people are arriving. I know some of them who are already here and there are people who want to come and win.
Have you spoken to coach Alejandro Restrepo about Alianza Lima's game idea?
We've talked a lot and he's already told me what his vision is for the game that they'll see over the course of the games. What I can tell you is that offensively it's a good game, as it should be, and I'm really looking forward to getting started.
Why did you choose the Syrian team?
It's an opportunity that came to me because they had been contacting me for three years. Last time it was the final qualifying rounds, but it was four games and I decided to wait. Now that the Asian Cup starting in January and the entire 2026 World Cup qualifiers have been unveiled, I have made the decision to go there.