KUALA LUMPUR: Spanish-born Natxo Insa remains unfazed by critics questioning his inclusion in the Harimau Malaya team for the Asian Cup in Doha from Jan 12-Feb 10.
Fans are puzzled by the naturalised midfielder's inclusion, given his limited game-time for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) this year due to injury.
Furthermore, Insa, who turns 38 in June, has only one cap, earned in 2018 in the 2-2 draw against Mongolia in a friendly.
"Honestly, I don't read anything as I don't follow social media. To those who support me, thank you, and for those who don't, I don't read anything, so it doesn't affect me," said Insa before departing for Doha with the Harimau Malaya team from KLIA, Sepang today.
However, Insa, with a wealth of experience in the Spanish league playing for Valencia, Villarreal, and Levante before joining JDT in 2017, could prove valuable to Kim Pan Gon's side at the Asian Cup.
Insa believes the national team are capable of obtaining positive results in Doha.
Malaysia are in Group E with former champions South Korea, Bahrain and Jordan.
"Honestly, we have a good team, good players, and also young players who have played many matches.
"I think with the squad we have, it's time for us to enjoy the game and perform well against teams with top players plying their trade in the English Premier League.
"We will be able to gauge our level when facing them.
"I don't think we need to put pressure. We just need to perform to expectations and play a good game."