KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 – He went with high hopes of taking his football to a higher level and a possible lucrative playing career in Europe but it turned out to be a flop.
National striker Safawi Rasid is returning home to renew his footballing links with seven-time Malaysian Super League champions, Johor Darul Takzim (JDT).
The Dungun-born Safawi left the Southern Tigers hours after helping the Johor outfit clinch their seventh successive Super League title with a brace in a 4-1 win over Sabah at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Johor Bahru on Oct 2.
He was loaned for one season to Portugal’s Primeira Liga side, Portimonense SC but he could well be returning home without playing a match with the Portuguese club. It is considered a big flop.
JDT club owner HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the Crown Prince of Johor, confirmed that Safawi will be ”100 percent returning to play for JDT next season” during a talk show on local television on Thursday.
“Yes. Safawi will be playing for JDT next season…he is coming back,” said Tunku Ismail without giving more details.
Much was said and written about Safawi on his Portugal stint but his abrupt return has left many question marks.
His failure to get any playing time with Portimonense SC although he was on the bench on a few occasions and it did not goes down well with his fans who took to social media to voice their frustration and disappointment.
For them, Safawi did not get the treatment he deserved with Portimonense.
Right now his once in a lifetime opportunity has disappeared into thin air but JDT and the national team can count on Safawi to deliver.
Safawi will have to learn from his failed mission.
Once again only time will tell if the talented striker known for his deadly left foot is good enough to make forays into the foreign leagues either in Asia or Europe.
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