One year on from his first start for the Armenian national team, Solomon Ime Udo has penned an emotional message to mark the occasion.

The Nigerian-born midfielder made his debut for the Armenia national team as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Estonia in a UEFA Nations League game on 14 October 2020.

He was then handed his full debut in the next game on 15 November 2020, featuring for 77 minutes as Armenia claimed an impressive 2-1 win at Georgia.

In the intervening year, Udo, 26, has become a lynchpin of the national team of his adopted country, earning 10 starts in a total of 13 appearances for the national team.

Armenia isn’t noted for its huge black population, but that hasn’t stopped the national team from being a warm place for the on-loan FK Atyrau midfielder who featured in all ten games, starting eight times as Armenia ended their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in a respectable fourth position.

Udo who is on the books of Kazakhstan side Shaktar Karaganda paid tribute to his national team coaches, teammates and fans for embracing and supporting him wholeheartedly over the past year.

“It’s been a journey of grit and hardwork,” Udo wrote on his Facebook page on the anniversary of his first start for Armenia.

“Exactly one year ago, I made my first start for the Armenia National Team.

“The love from the team, coach, and fans has been tremendous since I accepted to be a part of the Collective Team.

“Things might not have turned out our way in the World Cup Qualifiers but I and my teammates are not deterred to fight hard for the love of Armenia and the fans.

“We will come back stronger

“Thanks for your support.

“Ես սիրում եմ քեզ”