PETALING JAYA: For Malaysia’s naturalised player Paulo Josue (pic), becoming Kuala Lumpur’s all-time leading goal scorer is a feat beyond his imagination.
The 35-year-old Brazilian playmaker has become a legend with the City Boys after his brace in the 5-0 win over Kedah on Saturday took his tally to 69 goals – eclipsing the mark of 67 by Singaporean icon Fandi Ahmad.
Being more of a midfielder makes his accomplishment even more remarkable, and Josue is still pinching himself over the unexpected success.
“I’m feeling very happy, blessed and honoured to be the all-time leading scorer for KL,” said Josue.
“I never thought I would score more goals than anyone in any club around the world. This is much more than I have imagined in my life.”
As much as Josue would like to add to his tally, he has a bigger goal at KL as their captain – he wants to keep pushing his side up the standings and hope that the team management settle the players’ salary arrears issue soon.
“We were deducted six points in the league but we didn’t let that hold us back. We stayed united and showed great passion and character on the field,” he said.
“Now we hope to have more support from the management on resolving the financial issue. We’re all professionals and we’re here working very hard to keep the team moving up.”
Since Josue started his professional career in 2011, he has been a journeyman in Brazil, playing for seven clubs from 2011 to 2017. Josue, who hails from Canela, Rio Grande de Sul, joined Kuala Lumpur in 2017 and has not looked back since.
While he has had his ups and downs with the club, Josue has evolved into one of the finest players in the Super League and is a key player in the Harimau Malaya team.
