PETALING JAYA: A Christmas wish and a call for clarification by Johor Regent and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to Josh Brownhill has shut out any queries on the latter’s nationality.
It had been speculated for several months that the Burnley skipper had Malaysian ancestry, which caused many in the country to get excited as it meant the national team would have a new recruit.
Even better, a player from the Premier League.
But the fans had their bubble burst yesterday when 29-year-old Brownhill cleared the air, stating that he has no ties to Malaysia.
His statement, turns out, had been urged on by Tunku Ismail, who is overseeing the national team project and reached out to Brownhill, advising him to address the public.
“Hi Josh, Merry Christmas. I wish you and your family well,” said Tunku Ismail.
“I think you have to come up with a statement that you’re not Malaysian.
“My country is crazy over you and begging me to get you to play for Malaysia.
“It will help if you can clear the air. Sorry to bother you. Best wishes. Thank you,” said Tunku Ismail.
Brownhill responded to Tunku Ismail, saying, “Merry Christmas to you too! I was thinking about putting one out for a while now.
“But I think now it’s time! Not quite sure how it all started out. Thank you for the message,” he said.
Yesterday, Brownhill addressed the rumours and clarified that his only nationality is English and is not Malaysian as some had been thinking.
“I’m not quite sure how this all started but do want to clear it up. But thanks for the support regardless.”
Amid the buzz of Brownhill’s alleged Malaysian roots, several other players have also been under the microscope, including Brownhill’s Burnley teammate Zian Flemming, PSV Eindhoven youth player Iggy Houben, Birmingham City defender Dion Sanderson, and former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Altube.
