“I AM MOTIVATED AND COMMITTED TO THE TEAM” – GUILHERME

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 – Brazilian-born naturalised Malaysian Guilherme De Paula has swallowed all the criticism and negatives hurled at him on social media after Malaysia’s 4-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a second-round match in the Group G World Cup 2022/Asia Cup 2023 qualifier.

Instead, the 34-year-old Johor Darul Takzim player had a strong message to his critics and said: “Nobody is on holiday as everyone knows that the team is here (Dubai) on a mission. That mission is still on track despite the defeat to UAE.”

De Paula was the target man for his poor game against the UAE. Many believe that he should be rested but one poor performance certainly does not deserve the chop for the next match. Malaysia is still very much in contention to qualify for the Asia Cup.

The Harimau Malaya next face group leaders Vietnam on Friday in a must-win match to stay alive in the group.

This is not impossible if Tan Cheng Hoe and his team can “fire on all cylinders” at the Al-Maktoum Stadium.

”We have been working very hard at every training session to improve our game and do better in the coming matches,” said De Paula who is likely to feature in Cheng Hoe’s match plans against Vietnam.

“I am proud to wear the Malaysian jersey and I am proud of my new country. It is my wish to play my part and take Malaysia to greater heights in the region. I am motivated and committed to the team.”

This alone sums up De Paula’s wish. He is a naturalised Malaysian, not a criminal. Let us give him the emotional boost he needs to deliver for his new country.