The Montenegrin’s first foray into the Asian game, however, came with a short stint in Saudi Arabia in 2006. But it is in East Asia where the now 38-year-old truly made his name and, after moving to Korea Republic’s K League in 2007, he has not looked back since.

Having found a home away from home on the other side of the world, and collected plenty of prizes along the way, Damjanovic tells the-AFC.com about his life and times in Asia and reflects on a move that has proved an unequivocal success both on and off the pitch.

The former Korea Republic captain and Manchester United midfielder who won 19 major trophies in his career - is the latest icon to lend his voice in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) public awareness campaign which continues to engage with millions of fans to convey educational and inspiring messages.

A record six-time winner of Uzbekistan’s Player of the Year Award, a league champion in both his homeland and China PR, and voted best player at a club which featured Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto’o – only one of whom makes this list – Akhmedov’s career has seen him team up with footballers of global renown, and match them every step of the way.

With his professional career now in its 15th year, Akhmedov selects a team comprising the very best of his teammates, drawing on his experiences of 104 international caps and fruitful club stints at Pakhtakor, Anzhi Makhachkala, FC Krasnador and current home Shanghai SIPG.

The Panel, to be known as the Starting XI, will act in an advisory capacity on technical and development matters to the FDC, which comprises, amongst others, FFA Board Members Remo Nogarotto (FDC Chair), former Socceroo Mark Bresciano and former Westfield Matilda Amy Duggan.

The inaugural members of the Starting XI, who will serve an initial two-year term on a voluntary basis, are: Mark Viduka, Josip Skoko, Clare Polkinghorne, Ron Smith, Mark Bosnich, Paul Okon, Frank Farina, Heather Garriock, Vicki Linton, Joey Peters and Connie Selby.

Domestic action remains on hold in Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, although players from both countries featured in Belarusian Premier League action.

Join the-AFC.com for all the latest from Gissar to Grodno.

Elsewhere, Ramadan got underway, Australia marked ANZAC Day and domestic action continued in Chinese Taipei, so join the-AFC.com as we round up the action on and off the pitch.

Born in the suburbs of Jordanian capital Amman, Al Taamari started sharpening his football skills as a 10-year-old with Shabab Al Ordon. He made his professional debut in 2016 and after a short loan spell with Al Jazeera, he moved to Cyprus to become the first Jordanian to play for giants APOEL.

Speaking exclusively to the-AFC.com, the 22-year-old forward said playing in Europe has helped him improve tremendously.