PETALING JAYA: National striker Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak was on the verge of tears after finally earning a national call-up following years of setbacks.
The 26-year-old is now determined to repay the selectors’ faith at the Asean Cup starting tomorrow when Malaysia face Myanmar in the opening Group B match at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon.
This is the first senior call-up for Hadi, who has dealt with injuries and club mismanagement over the years. “When I got the call, I was very emotional. I have suffered challenges throughout my career, and it felt as though my sacrifices have finally paid off,” said Hadi following a training session at UM Stadium on Tuesday.
Initially, Hadi had demonstrated exceptional promise as a youth player, having been a part of the national Under-23 team at the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam. Unfortunately, he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury the same year.
Moreover, Hadi found himself embroiled in another controversy when he encountered unpaid salary issues with his former club Police ultimately leading to his move to Vencedor Mie United Club in the J-League.
“I needed to make the move (to Japan). I knew that leaving my family behind would be hard, but if I wanted to continue playing football, there was no alternative,” said the striker, who had a previous stint in Japan from 2019-2022.
Hadi also expressed his gratitude to interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe for his unwavering belief in him. “I am grateful for the coach’s belief in me. There are many young players in the squad. I will give my all to prove my worth.”
