PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon has found the man he is seeking to fill a specific gap in his squad.
The South Korean believes the Red Giants’ new signing, Australian midfielder Peter Makrillos, is the one who will further strengthen the squad as they prepare for the season ahead.
“I was looking for a player like Peter. Not only is he capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder, but he also has the ability to score goals,” said Pan-gon, welcoming the 31-year-old Makrillos to the club.
Makrillos is Selangor’s third import signing and sixth new addition overall, for the new season.
He will replace Jordanian international Noor Al-Rawabdeh, who has returned to his country to play for Al-Faisaly.
Makrillos arrives with a well-travelled resume, having played in England, Australia, Greece, Finland, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden and South Korea.
Last season, he turned out for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam’s V-League.
Pan-gon believes that Makrillos will give Selangor’s midfield greater balance, as he is capable of shoring up the defensive line and pushing forward to support the attack.
For his part, Makrillos said joining Selangor fulfils a long-held ambition.
“I’ve always known about Selangor and understand that this is one of the biggest clubs in Malaysia and Asia,” he said.
“It has always been my ambition to play for one of Asia’s big clubs, and when this opportunity came along, I knew it was the right step for me.
“I also understand the high expectations that come with this club, but I enjoy that pressure because, to me, that’s what football is all about.”
Selangor’s other new signings are Venezuelan midfielder Eduardo Sosa and Filipino defender Jefferson Tabinas.
