KUALA LUMPUR: “I will not leave and I will retire as a Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) player”.
This was stated by Lee Chong Wei following news of Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying’s departures as well as Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong’s decision to leave the national association.
The former World No 1 said he is comfortable at the BAM camp, and for him it’s more about being indebted to the national body.
“No BAM, no Lee Chong Wei. I have been here (at BAM) for 19 years and that’s almost half my life. As for now, I’m OK here,” he said.
Chong Wei, who will start training at BAM on Monday after recovering from nose cancer, wished his former teammates well.
“The most important thing is they have to maintain their good performance. The decision to leave BAM might be the best way for them and less stressful for them.
“I can’t afford to make decisions like that. I’m not young and I have a plan to be at my best for the 2020 Olympics.
On Rio Olympics silver medallists V Shem-Wee Kiong’s move to quit BAM and turn professional, Chong Wei said it’s a sensitive matter.
“For me everyone needs to understand what they want. This is a sensitive issue and I don’t mind if they leave BAM but what’s important is they still represent the country.
“They need to prove to themselves and elevate their performance.
“Most importantly is to play with the Jalur Gemilang on their chest,” said Chong Wei.
Last Tuesday, BAM confirmed that V Shem-Wee Kiong will leave the national team.