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The Liverpool Echo reports that Doctor Zaf Iqbal's four-and-a-half year stint as first-team doctor at Liverpool has come to an end, with the reason for the move unclear. For now, Academy doctor Andy Massey has taken over first-team responsibilities.
Dr. Zaf is considered a leader in his field, and in 2013 he was nominated for an Asian Football Award for his behind the scenes medical work. "I think people like Zaf are a shining light for people who want to go on and have a great career," said Brendan Rodgers about the nomination.
Dr. Zaf was hired by Liverpool in 2010 after working as the first team doctor at Tottenham for two seasons.
He spoke to The Asian Kop about the move in a 2012 interview. "The aim was to help make up the best Sports and Exercise Medicine team in football. I'd had a fantastic time at my previous club but the lure of working at Liverpool FC was too great."
Dr. Zaf is a lifelong Liverpool fan, and through various interviews it is clear that he appreciated the club on a personal level.
The Asian Kop asked him why he loves Liverpool in that same 2012 interview. "Where does one start? The history, the success, the truly global fanbase. I love the fact that wherever I go around the world there are Liverpool fans passionate about the club," he responded.
Dr. Zaf also had a funny Glen Johnson anecdote, which he shared in a separate interview with PakReds, Pakistan's LFC supporter's club.
"There are a few that are the jokers in the group and always looking to pick on me so you have to be able to stand up for yourself. Often it's like being back at school again. Glen Johnson takes great amusement in playing ‘knock a door run' on a daily basis. This is a childish game where you'd knock on a door and then...run and hide. He does it to the door to my office when he knows I'm on the phone and finds it hilarious when I repeatedly shout for the person to come in. I used to find it funny when I was eight years old."
He burned Glen Johnson before it was cool to burn Glen Johnson. But in all seriousness, good luck to Dr. Zaf Iqbal wherever he ends up. And if there are any developments to this unexpected story, TLO will have you covered with the important updates.
