KUALA LUMPUR – Former national footballer S. Kunanlan is currently in discussions with four Malaysia Super League clubs after parting ways with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The 37-year-old right-back has approached Sabah FC, Kedah FC, Kuala Lumpur City FC, and Negeri Sembilan FC and will be deciding on his move by next year in March.
Speaking to Scoop, Kunanlan emphasised that age is merely a number for him, expressing his desire to continue playing football into his forties, inspired by his idol Paolo Maldini.
Maldini retired from football at the age of 41 after a distinguished career with the Italian football club AC Milan from 1984 to 2009, amassing a total of 647 appearances.
“I believe I can still contribute to football, maintaining the hunger and desire to compete at a high level. My passion for the game has taken me to various places, and I remain committed to exploring and enhancing my skills.
“I’m currently in discussions with four teams, and wherever I end up, my commitment is to give my all. I aspire to assist the team in contending for the Super League title and participating in prestigious Asian competitions like the AFC Asian Champions League and AFC Cup.
“Presently, I’m still at JDT, undergoing rehabilitation for an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained about two months ago. Retirement is not on my radar at the moment; I want to continue playing, mirroring the longevity of my idol Maldini.
“The future after my forties is uncertain; coaching may be an option. For now, my focus is squarely on my playing career,” said Kunanlan.
Kunanlan is among six veteran footballers who departed from JDT due to the club’s ongoing financial restructuring.
Players such as Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Hazwan Bakri, Adam Nor Azlin, Leandro Velazquez, and Diogo Luis Santos also bid farewell to JDT, marking the conclusion of their years of service.
Having joined JDT in 2015, Kunanlan expressed gratitude to the club owner, the Johor Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ), for allowing him to serve the club for nine years.
“TMJ has been a tremendous mentor throughout my career. Without him, I wouldn’t have achieved the numerous accolades in my career. His trust in me for bringing me from Selangor FC to the club is something I’ll forever be thankful for.
“I admire how he built the club from scratch, and I hope the incoming younger players can uphold the legacy he has created,” added Kunanlan.
Since his debut for JDT, Kunanlan has secured nine Super League titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023), three Malaysia FA Cup titles (2016, 2022, and 2023), four Malaysia Cups (2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023), and the AFC Cup in 2015.
He also represented the national team from 2009 to 2017 and made a total of 74 appearances.
Under the guidance of Datuk K. Rajagopal, he clinched a gold medal in the 2009 Laos SEA Games and won the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. – December 29, 2023