Atiba Hutchinson, the captain and leader of the Canadian national team, is the oldest player in the upcoming World Cup – only 70 minutes on the field for Besiktas this season, but essential for Canada on a trip to Qatar. Behind him is a former partner from the old Besiktas days.
Ateeba Hutchinson never really had to shiver about her appointment to Canada’s World Cup squad. And this is despite the fact that the midfielder has consistently missed every league game this season with an injured bone and made his return a few days ago in Besiktas’ cup game against Beladispor. The 39-year-old veteran is of great importance to North Americans, and his achievements in recent years have been enormous. Brampton-born Atiba Hutchinson played 97 international matches (9 goals) for Canada, the first game in January 2003.
The midfielder was born in 1983 and is the only contemporary in Canada’s team to witness – albeit at the age of three – their final World Cup participation in 1986. In the tournament in Qatar, the captain of Besiktas is the oldest player. Farm. Then comes an old familiar from Besikta’s days: Portugal’s defensive legend Pepe is also 39 years old but a month younger than Atiba. Another Super Lig acquaintance also plays on his team: Samuel Adekugbe from Hatspor. However, at 26, he is already the next generation from Atiba’s point of view.
Photo: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
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