AFTER beating cancer, Selangor captain Brendan Gan is now determined to help the Red Giants regain their glory days.
The 33-year-old took a break from the game after he was diagnosed with early-stage testicular cancer in July last year.
However, the midfielder fought courageously and after a successful surgery, followed by rehabilitation, he is now focused on his football career.
And he will be hoping to win back his spot in the national team.
However, he can only do that if he shines with Selangor, who have been struggling since their Malaysia Cup triumph in 2015.
His time on the treatment table was one of the reasons Harimau Malaya suffered a dip in form during last year's assignments.
The team, under then-coach Tan Cheng Hoe, recorded only two wins from six matches in Brendan's absence.
Brendan, who had overcome many injuries before, will definitely be an asset to Harimau Malaya if he manages to impress new national coach Kim Pan Gon.
The South Korean coach will gather the national players during the Fifa window on March 21-29.
Malaysia's priority assignment this year is the Asian Cup qualifiers, which start in June.
On whether he is ready to convince Pan Gon for a spot, Brendan said: "I don't have to convince anyone. My mind is so unbreakable at the moment, I feel so strong, and the only person I need to convince is myself.
"I need to convince myself that I'm still good enough, strong and able to perform, and that's all that matters now.
"Pan Gon will bring his style to the national team. The ability to adapt is something the players have to learn.
"It will not be easy. I have been through many coaches in my career. The key is the ability to adapt.
"Those chosen to represent the nation have to adapt quickly."
Brendan's battle with cancer had inspired Selangor to come out with a special initiative.
Selangor will contribute RM5 for each sale of their new away kit to the National Cancer Council and the National Cancer Society Malaysia.
As for his targets at Selangor, Brendan said: "We were not able to give our 100 per cent due to Covid-19 last season.
"We have many good players, and there will be a healthy competition in the team. I will have to work hard to reclaim my spot as there are many good midfielders in the team.
"Of course, I want to help Selangor do well this season."
Recalling his experience with cancer, he was glad that he had trusted his instincts by getting a second opinion.
"It feels amazing to raise awareness for all types of cancer and challenges people face... everyone has a story to tell... I'm happy to be telling my story.
"It was a shock to me. When I first heard it from the doctor, I was speechless for five to 10 minutes.
"I found a small lump, and I decided to investigate it. I went to a urologist, and he said everything was fine.
"However, I decided on getting a second opinion."
"I looked after myself and stayed healthy, so it was hard. My wife and son were in Australia then. I had to go through the process myself."
"The support I received from everyone was amazing," Brendan added.