KUALA LUMPUR: The mystery surrounding national veteran striker, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha was finally answered when he confirmed joining Thailand’s 2019 Second League champions, Bangkok Glass Pathum United on a one-year contract.
The player’s agent, Abdul Halim Abdul Shukor who is Offside Sports managing director said the former Pahang striker who is fondly known as Mat Yo will be leaving for Bangkok tomorrow for a health examination on Thursday before signing the contract with the team on Friday.
“Several months ago, the Thai side was looking for an ASEAN player and I proposed Mat Yo as I believe he has the technical capability to play in the Thai League. I am sure more Malaysian players will be in action there after this as our players have improved since defeating them 1-2 and not forgetting Johor Darul Ta’zim in the AFC Champions League (earlier).
“The entry of quality import players in Malaysia League has indirectly aided local players to raise their technical skills comparable to other leagues including Thailand,” he said in a statement issued by Football Association of Malaysia today.
Commenting further, Abdul Halim was confident the striker from Besut, Terengganu would be able to maintain his performance consistently with the team despite turning 34 in June.
“When I suggested Norshahrul, I did not look at his age but I am confident he is good for another two to three seasons as he is still a prolific scorer.
“All will depend he himself on maintaining his fitness as well as diet and in Japan, players could play until 51,” said Abdul Halim.
Pahang had earlier decided to release Norshahrul with several other players including Mohd Afif Amiruddin, R. Kogileswaran, A Salomon Raj, Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria and Muhammad Zubir Mohd Azmi.
Norshahrul had turned out for several teams including Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Malaysian Armed Forces and Johor Darul Ta’zim.
The involvement of the Malaysian player in the Thai League is not something new as two other national players, Dominic Tan and Muhammad Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi, apart from Malaysian-Australian mixed heritage footballer, Curran Singh Ferns had played for clubs in the neigbouring country.
Muhammad Shahrel had turned out for Nakhon Ratchasima on loan from PKNP FC in 2018, while Curran had represented Sukhothai FC in 2018 and 2019.
Tan who joined Trat FC on loan from JDT last season has confirmed signing a two-season contract until 2021 with Thai League 1 side Police Tero FC.