KUALA LUMPUR: Dreams do come true.
Muhammad Syafiq Salmi will attest to that after receiving a surprise visit by Barcelona newboy Neymar at his home in Ampang yesterday – the second day of Hari Raya.
The Catalans are set to wrap up their 2013 Asian Tour with a match against the Malaysian XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
And it was all part of an elaborate plan to surprise the 15-year-old Syafiq, who is regarded as one of Malaysia’s up-and-coming juniors.
Muhammad Syafiq Salmi received a pleasant Hari Raya surprise from Barcelona star Neymar. - S.S.KANESAN / The Star
The Victoria Institution (VI) student has been a long-time admirer of the 21-year-old Neymar, even since his FC Santos days.
Syafiq has been particularly taken by Neymar’s footballing skills – especially his dribbling and lethal finishing.
“I was in my room minding my own business when I saw three vans pull up. I thought some of my relatives were dropping by for a visit. Never in my wildest dream did I think it would be Neymar!,” said a grinning Syafiq.
“He came in and said ‘Where’s Syafiq?’ I was in shock ... I was floored. I’ve seen him on TV and now here’s Neymar in my house! It was unbelievable! This is by far the best Raya ever!”
Syafiq, who dreams of representing Harimau Malaya one day, then hopped into the van with Neymar as they headed over the VI.
“We talked about his kid, his hobbies and his shoe size! He wears size 8½!,” said Syafiq, who wears size 7.
“He was so down to earth and friendly. It was amazing just being able to speak to him. He even gave me pointers on dribbling and finishing,” added Syafiq, who led Kelab Bolasepak Remaja Bersatu to three 1Malaysian Cardiff City titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012 as well as guiding VI to the MSSKL State Championship this year.
“He asked me about my fear and I told him that it was facing bigger opponents. He said ‘Look at me, I’m not that big either but I’m not affraid to play my own game, my own style’. He also told me to strive hard to realise my dream of representing Malaysia .”
At the VI, Syafiq signalled to his friends to come over before Neymar emerged from the vehicle, much to the surprise of the 18 VI boys – aged between 13 and 15 – gathered at the school’s courtyard.
After greeting the football star, the boys got down to business with a quick game as Neymar watched on.
But in wasn’t long before the Brazil forward joined in the fray, giving the youngsters a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with arguably one of the best players in the world.
“It was really amazing to play with Neymar. I don’t think we’ll be able to forget this moment for a long time,” said Syafiq, who received a signed football boot, ball and ticket to the Bareclona-Malaysia XI match.
The Victoria Institution (VI) student has been a long-time admirer of the 21-year-old Neymar, even since his FC Santos days.
Syafiq has been particularly taken by Neymar’s footballing skills – especially his dribbling and lethal finishing.
“I was in my room minding my own business when I saw three vans pull up. I thought some of my relatives were dropping by for a visit. Never in my wildest dream did I think it would be Neymar!,” said a grinning Syafiq.
“He came in and said ‘Where’s Syafiq?’ I was in shock ... I was floored. I’ve seen him on TV and now here’s Neymar in my house! It was unbelievable! This is by far the best Raya ever!”
Syafiq, who dreams of representing Harimau Malaya one day, then hopped into the van with Neymar as they headed over the VI.
“We talked about his kid, his hobbies and his shoe size! He wears size 8½!,” said Syafiq, who wears size 7.
“He was so down to earth and friendly. It was amazing just being able to speak to him. He even gave me pointers on dribbling and finishing,” added Syafiq, who led Kelab Bolasepak Remaja Bersatu to three 1Malaysian Cardiff City titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012 as well as guiding VI to the MSSKL State Championship this year.
“He asked me about my fear and I told him that it was facing bigger opponents. He said ‘Look at me, I’m not that big either but I’m not affraid to play my own game, my own style’. He also told me to strive hard to realise my dream of representing Malaysia .”
At the VI, Syafiq signalled to his friends to come over before Neymar emerged from the vehicle, much to the surprise of the 18 VI boys – aged between 13 and 15 – gathered at the school’s courtyard.
After greeting the football star, the boys got down to business with a quick game as Neymar watched on.
But in wasn’t long before the Brazil forward joined in the fray, giving the youngsters a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with arguably one of the best players in the world.
“It was really amazing to play with Neymar. I don’t think we’ll be able to forget this moment for a long time,” said Syafiq, who received a signed football boot, ball and ticket to the Bareclona-Malaysia XI match.
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