Loyal Turtle: Arif Fadzilah Abu Bakar (second from left) has extended his contract with Terengganu FC for another season.
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd (TFCSB) have confirmed that defender Arif Fadzilah Abu Bakar has renewed his contract, debunking rumours of his move to Perak.
TFCSB chief executive officer Abdul Rasid Jusoh said the 26-year-old Terengganu-born player had decided to represent TFC for another year despite receiving offers from other Super League teams.
“Arif Fadzilah is among TFC’s best defenders and has been with us for three seasons.
“The decision to keep him was based on his excellent performance this season.
“It is hoped that his presence can strengthen the team’s defence and help them put up a stronger challenge in the Malaysia League (M-League) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup tournaments next year,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Arif said he chose to stay with the Turtles because he felt comfortable with the team and wanted to experience playing under TFC’s new chief coach Tomislav Steinbruckner.
The former national Under-23 player said he had no qualms about fighting for a place in the first eleven.
“The competition from teammates Alif Zakaria and Hairiey Hakim (Mamat) will surely push me to work harder.
“Under the new format of M-League next season, players will have more opportunities for playing time as there will be more matches, including in the AFC Cup,” said the former Felda United player. — Bernama
