Social Wrap: The last mile

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com roams around social media to see what the continent's stars have been up to in the final days before travelling to the UAE.

With less than two weeks to go for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 kick-off, players are wrapping up their club commitments. For some, they leave on a high, be it an local rivalry triumph or impressing on the global stage. Birthday celebrations were in order and so were family days out. What is left is just to work hard and look for glory in the UAE!

Bragging Rights

In his final club match before flying to the UAE, Al Hilal and Saudi Arabia full-back Yasser Al Shahrani celebrated an impressive 4-2 win over rivals Al Ahli. The left-back departed for Dubai on a high, netting the pick of the goals to keep his team three points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

ألف مبروك يازعماء ?القادم أفضل بإذن الله ? pic.twitter.com/9tEH2X8h40— ياسر الشهراني (@iYasser12) December 21, 2018

Ahead of joining up with the Samurai Blue squad heading to the UAE, Japan defender Tomoaki Makino has been pushing his limits in the gym. The 31-year-old's Instagram post suggests his legs are far from gone, as he hits a speed of 21 km/hr on the treadmill.

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シーズンオフでこの時期がやってきた。身体を作る。強くする。限界突破。 アジアカップに向けて、来年に向けて！ 頑張ります！ 全国のアスリート集まれぇー @highalti.sangenchaya #ハイアルチ #高地トレーニング #槙野智章 #makino

A post shared by 槙野智章 Tomoaki Makino (@makino.5_official) on Dec 22, 2018 at 1:20am PST

UAE and Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eissa reflected on an incredible journey as his club side made it all the way to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2019 final on home soil, before losing to European champions Real Madrid. The 29-year-old played a crucial role in the team's success, saving the decisive penalty in the shoot-out semi-final win over River Plate of Argentina, and was one of the best performers throughout the tournament.

أجمـل 10 أيـام عشناها معاً..شكـراً من القلـب لكل من وقف معنـا..وعقبـال المزيـد من الإنجازات لهذه الدولة الطيبة..الحمـدلله دائماً وأبداً?? pic.twitter.com/X1Ks0RCHDF— خالد عيسى (@Khalid_eissa17) December 22, 2018

Baloons and celebrations were in order at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in Bergamo as Iraq defender Ali Adnan marked his 25th birthday. The left-back, currently on loan at Atlanta from fellow Serie A side Udinese was in joyous mood, sharing snaps from the club's facilities. He will hope to get his 26th year off to a happy start as he leads the Lions of Mespotamia in the UAE next month.

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Il Regalo più bello della mia vita grazie mille ❤️?في عيد ميلادي شكرا لكل من قدم لي التهاني

A post shared by Ali Adnan (@aliadnankadhem) on Dec 19, 2018 at 6:36am PST

Thailand captain Teerasil Dangda enjoyed a family day out at Universal Studios in Osaka before teaming up with the War Elephants squad travelling to the UAE where they face India in their opening match in January 6. Dangda has been plying his trade at J-League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima on loan from Thailand's Muangthong United for the past year.

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ปีแล้วนู้น ปีนี้นี่ ปีหน้าไหน? ☺️?? #japan?? #universalstudiosjapan #osaka #dangdafamily #madrid??

A post shared by Official (@sr.teerasil) on Dec 14, 2018 at 10:54pm PST

Source: the-afc.com