KUALA LUMPUR – A long-term injury has dashed former national footballer S. Kunanlan’s hopes for a comeback, crushing his aspirations of emulating his football idol, Paolo Maldini.
The 38-year-old right back, who last played for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), retired from the beautiful game last week, as he has yet to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in a Malaysia FA Cup match against PKNS FC in July last year.
Speaking to Scoop, Kunanlan expressed sadness over not being able to step onto the pitch as a player anymore.
However, the experienced footballer said that he had to accept his fate and move on with his life.
“Of course, I’m sad that I won’t be able to continue the sport that gave me everything in my life. Football has taken me to places, and I’m going to miss playing the sport that I love.
“I still believe that I can continue playing football, but I have to listen to what my body says more than what my mind says. If I follow what my mind says, the injury will become even more severe, and I prefer not to take the risk.
“I was actually in talks with several clubs from the Malaysia Super League, but I prefer not to commit without fully recovering from my injury.
“I’m gutted that I couldn’t emulate my idol’s (Paolo Maldini) longevity, but if I look at the bright side, I think I have achieved everything in domestic football. For now, I’m just going to continue focusing on my recovery and enjoying my retirement,” said Kunanlan.
Maldini retired from football at the age of 41 after a distinguished career with Italian football club AC Milan from 1984 to 2009, amassing a total of 647 appearances.
Previously, Scoop reported that Kunanlan, after parting ways with JDT, was in talks with Sabah FC, Kedah FC, Kuala Lumpur City FC, and Negeri Sembilan FC and would be deciding on his next move by March of this year.
Kunanlan is among six veteran footballers who departed from JDT in December last year due to the club’s financial restructuring.
Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Hazwan Bakri, Adam Nor Azlin, Leandro Velazquez, and Diogo Luis Santos also bid farewell to JDT, marking the conclusion to their years of service.
When asked about the potential of becoming a coach, Kunanlan expressed a keen interest, acknowledging the possibility.
He revealed plans to embark on a coaching licence course in the near future.
“To become a coach, you need to have immense knowledge and responsibility. I have the knowledge, but I still need to work on my responsibility, and I’m currently learning by observing from the best coaches in the country.
“Time will decide on my future, and I will start applying for my coaching licence in the months to come.
“I definitely want to give back my knowledge to the game, especially to the younger generation,” Kunanlan added.
Since his debut for JDT, Kunanlan 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, making 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. – February 7, 2024