PETALING JAYA: Nicholas Swirad has returned to Malaysian football after a six-month absence, feeling refreshed as he looks to make his mark with new club Immigration.
The Malaysia Cup provides the perfect stage for the versatile defender in Immigration’s last 16 second-leg clash against Negri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi today.
With the first leg ending in a 0-0 stalemate, the former Kuala Lumpur player Swirad is eager to make an immediate impact as both teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
Before joining the Alor Setar-based side, the 34-year-old Swirad endured a challenging period after his contract with Kuala Lumpur was not renewed last year.
The Malaysian-heritage player, through his mother, returned to Manchester and spent the past six months rebuilding his body and fitness.
“It’s been 10 years since I came to Malaysia, and this was the first time that I was unable to do what I love for such a long period,” said Swirad.
“I’ve given my body a complete reset, and it’s been intense.
“I invested my own money in rehabilitation, physiotherapy and strengthening work with a holistic coach who helped reset my posture, alignment and overall condition.
Mentally it has been difficult because you never know if it will pay off but hopefully it will give me a few more years in the game.”
“For most of my career, I was probably playing at 70 or 80 per cent fitness.
‘‘Now, I feel my body is in the best condition it’s been in many ways.”
Swirad is thankful for the opportunity offered by Immigration, led by head coach Yusri Che Lah.
“I want to thank coach Yusri, the staff, the players and the technical director, Ahmad Shahrul Azhar, for the trust and warmth they’ve shown me,” he said.
“The training has been excellent. Everyone is humble and grounded.
“Spending six months with my family in Manchester was special, but it also made me appreciate everything Malaysian football and this country have given me.”
Looking ahead to the crucial Malaysia Cup encounter against Negri, Swirad added: “I feel excited like a kid again, just thinking about playing football and being part of the squad.
