For the fifth year, Nigar Mirzaliyeva, a 23-year-old defender of the Azerbaijan women's national team, has been playing abroad as a professional in Russia. In an exclusive interview with Teleqraf, she opened up about her career, personal life, and future plans.
– You recently mentioned a contract extension offer from Zenit. Does that mean you have other offers as well? Have you made a final decision about your career?
- Yes, I have one more year left on my contract with Zenit, and the club is offering me an extension. But I still need time to think it over. I have other offers too, and I’ll consider them if they’re good enough. No final decision has been made yet.
– How would you evaluate your time at Zenit? What has changed in your football journey?
- Zenit is a very strong team—the coaching staff, the girls, the whole atmosphere is excellent. The club has taught me a lot. I feel like my career is progressing well. I learn something new with every match and work hard on my mistakes. I have no regrets about joining Zenit.
– Due to sanctions, Russian clubs can’t play in UEFA competitions. How has that affected you?
- It’s disappointing, of course. We’d love the opportunity to compete internationally. But despite that, we continue to play with the same motivation and determination.
– What are the biggest challenges of living away from your family?
- Being away from my family is very difficult. I only get to see them when we have matches in Baku. But I have goals and dreams—and achieving them takes sacrifice. I speak with my family every day. I’ve gotten used to being alone, but there’s still a constant feeling of missing home. I truly wish women’s football in Azerbaijan could reach the level it has in Russia so that I could play for my country and still be at home.
– Male Azerbaijani players often don’t stay abroad for long, while female players seem to have more lasting careers overseas. Why do you think that is?
- I’m not sure of the exact reason. But I think a lot about my career. I love football, and I want to represent and promote Azerbaijan abroad. My biggest dream is to become a well-known, successful female footballer.
– Do you see yourself playing for a European club in the near future?
- Absolutely. I believe in myself, and I’m confident that one day I’ll make that dream come true.
– Many female players end their careers after starting a family. Do you plan to start a family soon?
- Not yet. I still consider myself a young player, and I think it’s too early for that step. I want to go further in my career first.
– Would you end your football career for your family?
- Sometimes life reaches a stage where, whether you want it or not, you must stop. If I get married, I’ll respect my family’s views.
– When do you see yourself transitioning into coaching? Would you prefer to work abroad or in Azerbaijan?
- Maybe I’ll become a coach after I retire. I’m very passionate about football—I love it and can’t imagine life without it. I’d love to start a club and coach in Azerbaijan. Even if I’m not playing, I want to have my own team. It would be hard to just stand on the sidelines and watch, but I’d accept that coaching is my new role.
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