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One of a kind: Brendan says there is no better feeling than being on the field with his Selangor teammates.

PETALING JAYA: The smell of the grass and the sight of teammates tussling for the ball are things that Selangor captain and national player Brendan Gan had to miss after he was diagnosed with early-stage testicular cancer in July last year.

The 33-year-old underwent surgery and later, monitored by a team of specialists, focused on recovery and rehabilitation till the end of 2021.

Now back training with the Red Giants, a more determined and spirited Brendan is looking forward to a great year with Selangor.

“There’s no better feeling than being on the pitch with your teammates.

“It’s pretty indescribable,” said the former Perak and Kelantan midfielder.

“I’ve suffered injuries in the past and took a lot of time off for it. But this one’s different. It isn’t something I got from football.

“To be out of the field for so long was tough. I’m so grateful to be back.”

Brendan is no stranger to setbacks.

He suffered two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in 2015 and 2016 when he was with Kelantan but fought back to full recovery and marked his return to form by helping Perak lift the Malaysia Cup in 2018.

He is inspired to do the same with Selangor.

“I have goals and aspirations to fulfil for this club. We haven’t been able to give our 100% due to Covid-19, the lockdown and others. So, we have much to make up for,” added Brendan.

His motivation is higher than ever given the competition for places in Selangor’s talented midfield which boasts Jordanian Baha Abdelrahman, Zahril Azri Zabri, Aliff Haiqal Lau, Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi and Abdul Halim Saari.

“Competition makes everyone work harder. If you’re complacent and know that you have a guaranteed spot in the team, then that’s when problems occur.

“It’s always better to be in a team where every player has to earn his spot.”