‘King’ Amini up for new challenge as AGF exit looms

Socceroos midfielder Mustafa Amini has been dubbed the “king of Aarhus” by Australian teammate Zach Duncan - but an abdication appears imminent.

Source: FrontzoneSport

The longest serving player at Denmark Superliga side AGF, Amini, 26, is out to broaden his horizons after five years in Scandinavia, a season with Randers and four with De Hvie (the Whites).

When you add his apprenticeship at Borussia Dortmund during the Jurgen Klopp era, Amini has racked up nearly a decade in Europe since arriving from Central Coast Mariners as a starry-eyed 18-year-old.

He has thus far resisted AGF’s efforts to extend his contract, which expires mid-year, and is eyeing a possible return to Germany or a destination elsewhere on the Continent.

With over 130 appearances for AGF, and time wearing the captain’s armband, Amini’s high stocks match his ambition.

AGF have already rejected Asian offers, with Amini telling The World Game: “I want to stay in Europe but you can’t rule anything out in football.

“It’s a matter of who comes up or doesn’t come up, so we’ll see. It’s all about timing. 

“It’s a good league in Denmark and while everyone dreams of the Premier League, the Bundesliga and La Liga, you could go there and not play one single minute, so that’s the tough part when making decisions.

“I’ve played over 200 games in my career - I’ve loved every minute and we’ll see where football takes me (next).

“I want to stay away from the A-League and play in the highest level possible to give myself the best chance possible of staying in and around the Socceroos.”

Amini is a case study in durability and determination, digging in and surviving football’s slings and arrows where many of his compatriots have turned tail and headed home when their European adventures have turned sour.

“We’ve had a lot of examples of young boys going overseas but returning home in six months or a year,” he added.

“That’s how it often works. It’s a tough environment here and not so easy to make it and play week-in week-out.

“Especially coming from Australia, which isn’t a big football country, they don’t respect you as much.

“If you’re an Aussie and a German and you have the same football quality, of course they’re going to look at the German.

“That’s where the hard bit comes. You have to keep fighting and make sure they turn their eye to you (at some stage), rather than taking the easy option and packing your bags for home.

“People get homesick but for me I’m playing football in Europe and it’s a dream. 

“I’m living and breathing football. What more could you ask for?”

If Amini is to leave a club where he has compatriots Duncan and Alex Gersbach as teammates, he aims to go out on a high with AGF sitting third on the ladder going into the second half of the season - which resumes in mid February - and in the quarter-final of the cup.

A top three finish will see them into the Europa League qualifiers, with a title opening the door to the Champions League.

“It’s been a good season so far and hopefully we can keep that going,” he said.

“Europe’s up for grabs and the cup is also a possibility, so there’s a lot to play for. The fans and the city are excited.

“It’s a good league here and Awer Mabil is doing a good job at (league leaders) Midtjylland. “(Olyroos midfielder) Zach Duncan has been impressive here for us playing alongside me. He’s come along way in a short time.

“I’m helping him where I can and he’s giving it his best shot.

“It’s a big year coming up all around, with the World Cup qualifiers and even the Copa America.

“My goal is to be fit and playing and put my hand up for all of that.”