Emmanuel Mbola , midfielder of Zambia national squad, who used to play for FC Pyunik left the Armenian club in 2010 and was banned by FIFA for not honoring his obligations. As a result Mbola missed the final round of the Africa Cup of Nations where Zambia became a champion for the first time. In a year FIFA canceled the ban, since it turned out that Mbola was underage when signing the contract. In an interview with NEWS.am correspondent, Mbola confessed he regrets leaving the Armenian club. 

Emmanuel, you spent 2009/2010 season in Pyunik. What gave you this experience?

I really enjoyed this time in Yerevan. I was very happy to be a part of the team. I did not leave the club because I felt bad there or the club was not good, I simply had other offers. Sometimes in life it is necessary to make a decision.

What are your best memories of that period?

I remember every moment. I enjoyed life in Yerevan, because that is where I started my professional career. There I learned a lot. Now I'm here because of Pyunik. I will never forget it.

But, nevertheless, a scandal broke out when you were leaving. We can say you simply ran away. 

It happens that we are wrong and you must pay for the mistakes. I do not blame anyone but myself. It was my fault. I left the club improperly. We must learn from our mistakes, as I did.

If it were possible to put the clock back, what would you do?

I would have done everything with the correct sequence. If I left, I would have done it in the right way.

But now, if you want to go, but the club does not let you, what would you do?

Tricky question. It is very difficult. When the club does not want to let you go, and you are very young, you do not know what to do. Then I did not know much about the transfer policy. Now I would agree on these questions with the club.

After Pyunik you played in Congo. It turns out there were no offers from Europe?

I had different offers. I do not want to go into detail why it happened. I was in Congo, and Mazembe was the only club willing to sign me despite my problems with Pyunik. I am very grateful to them for helping me. I played there for six years, and then they took me to Portugal.

What do you think about the Israeli championship where you are playing?

It is a very good championship and is similar to European ones, more like the Italian and Portuguese championships.

In 2012, Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations. However, they failed to repeat it last year. What are the expectations from the forthcoming championship?

We are in a good shape and we appetite for becoming a champion.

Who are the main favorites?

Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon.

Are you following the Armenian football? Many of your teammates are now playing in the Armenian national team.

I talk to many. Armenian players do well, especially now, when they are playing for European football clubs.

Do you want to visit Armenia again?

I do. I will definitely come this or next summer.