KUALA LUMPUR: Four years ago, he was desperate for a team. Today, the Colombian-born Romel Morales is a prized national player for Malaysia and has just signed a contract with
Johor Darul Ta'zim.
In retrospect, it was said that at one stage, a disappointed Morales was resigned to leaving Malaysia and return to Bogota.
It was 2020, and after playing a season for Melaka, Morales suddenly found himself without a team after Melaka did not extend his contract. In an interview with Timesport then, Morales said he was kept waiting for a month after Melaka told him they would renew his contract. But he subsequently got a WhatsApp text, saying "Sorry Romel, we cannot renew your contract".
The man from South America said he found himself in a bad situation as at that time, most of the M-League teams' rosters were full, making it hard for him to find a job.
Fortunately, his agent, Effendi Jagan Abdullah, took him to see KL City who threw him a lifeline.
"Stanley Bernard (KL City chief executive officer) took him on board and I remembered the deal was signed on Christmas Eve, just before the transfer window closed," said Effendi.
Under coach Bojan Hodak at KL City, Morales diversified from midfielder to striker, and it was in that attacking position he became a feared hitman in the M-League.
Morales' exploits caught the eye of Harimau Malaya coach Kim Pan Gon, and the Colombian eventually became a naturalised player in December, 2023.
Morales made his debut for Malaysia against Jordan in the Asian Cup in Doha last month. And he earned himself a place in the hearts of Malaysian fans by scoring the equaliser in the memorable 3-3 draw against mighty South Korea.
Effendi recalled Morales arriving in Malaysia as a 19-year-old for the first time.
"I brought him here, took him for trials, tried to market him but he was turned down by a Super League team.
"I had a chat with Datuk K. Rajagobal (former PKNS coach), who became instrumental to his career.
"He did well in a two-week trial and signed with PKNS (2018-2019) but then the club had some sort of trouble and it closed down.
"So, I brought him to Melaka. He did well there, not the best but towards the end of 2021, he was released and it was towards the end of the transfer window."
But after his ups and downs, Morales has finally signed with the biggest team in Malaysian football.
The 26-year-old said: "I'm very excited for this new challenge in my career. It's an honour to be representing this great club, JDT.
"Always with the same desire to contribute and give my best for the team. Thanks to everyone who made this possible but especially thank you, very much, to Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for this opportunity."