Atta Khan, a member of the Pakistan team which will take part in next month’s AFL International Cup, is proof that it doesn’t take long to have black and white flowing through your veins.
After falling in love with Australian football while studying IT in Melbourne, Khan said he became a devoted Magpie almost straight away.
“When I arrived about five years ago I saw a couple of games and thought this is the best game in the world,” he said.
“My favourite player was Anthony Rocca, so soon my ambition was to see Collingwood win a premiership before I died.”
Not content with just being one of the Magpie faithful, Khan celebrated the Magpies' 2010 flag by getting a large magpie tattooed on his left arm. The only problem was that the tattoo artist spelt Collingwood incorrectly.
Thinking it was cheaper to have the tattoo done in his native Pakistan, Khan is now stuck with 'Colingwood' for the rest of his days.
The man who spotted the spelling mistake was no other then ‘Joffa’ Corfe, leader of Collingwood’s cheer squad.
“Joffa attended one of the Pakistan team trainings, saw the tattoo and asked if he could take a photo,” Khan said, laughing.
“He then looked at it and said ‘Mate, you’ve only got one 'l' there’.”
Making matters worse for Khan is that tattoos are frowned upon in Pakistan, so when he travels home he must hide it from his family.
“My mum knows, but I have to keep it hidden from the rest of the family because tattoos aren’t really allowed in Pakistan," he said.
“But I love this club and even though it’s spelt wrong, it’s what’s in the heart that matters.
“It doesn’t matter if we are winning or losing, the best thing about Collingwood supporters is that we stick with the club.
“I know everyone hates us and I cop it from plenty of people, but that’s what makes us a great club.”
On Friday, Khan had a kick-to-kick session with Magpie defender Heritier Lumumba and Patrick Karnezis in preparation for the International Cup.
Pakistan, nicknamed the Shaheens, is playing in the AFL International Cup for the first time (along with other debutants Finland and Indonesia).
Other countries taking part are Canada, China, Fiji, France, Ireland, Great Britain, India, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sweden, Tonga and the USA.
The tournament runs from August 9-23. For more information go to www.aflic14.com.au.
