ON the plane from KLIA to Belgium yesterday to begin the most exciting phase of his promising football career, Luqman Hakim Shamsudin's spirit was already lifted by fellow passengers on the 15-hour flight.
Quite a number of them recognised the 18-year striker and they were proud that he was going to Europe to play in Belgium's Division One and carrying the Malaysian name.
All this was made possible by KV Kortrijk owner and Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan who feels that Luqman should be given a shot at European football.
At 7.14pm (Malaysian time) and 1.30pm (local time) yesterday, Luqman landed in Belgium, ranked World No 1 by Fifa and a country which has produced iconic footballers like Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, Divock Origi and Vincent Kompany.
Luqman, who is from Kota Baru, said he was much motivated by the words of encouragement from the plane's passengers who urged him to do well and make a name for himself.
He added that the move to Belgium was one of the best decisions of his life as this could lead to bigger things in his career.
"As soon as I got into the plane, I felt a sense of excitement and enthusiasm," said Luqman upon arrival in Brussels.
"Some passengers recognised me and started giving me words of encouragement. They were very supportive and encouraged me to make Malaysia famous.
"Now that I have arrived in Belgium, I can't wait to join my team, KV Kortrijk."
Kortrijk are one of the 18 teams that made up the Belgian division one league which also has notable names like Anderlecht, Club Brugge and Standard Liege that play in European competitions.
Malaysian embassy and KV Kortrijk officials were at the airport to welcome Luqman. And he immediately underwent a Covid-19 test upon arrival,
National Under-19 player Luqman said he can't wait to join his new team but he will be placed under quarantine for up to eight days at an apartment owned by the club.
Luqman said he looks forward to pulling on the colours of KV Kortrijk whom he has just signed a five-year contract with.
From the airport, he travelled to Kortrijk which is a 90-minute drive away.
Luqman is required to undergo another Covid-19 screening test after the quarantine. If he passes that, he will join his new club for training.
Malaysia's Chargé d'affaires a.i. in Belgium, Prisheela Prakas Raw said: "We are happy to receive Luqman here at Brussels.
"We would like to say thank you to the Belgium government, especially the Embassy of Belgium in KL and local Belgium authorities for facilitating Luqman's transfer."
MD Fariq is a freelance writer