KUALA LUMPUR – When the news broke out yesterday about prolific striker Mohd Safee Sali’s retirement, the entire local football fraternity came forward to wish him well.
This includes his former teammate, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who took the news by surprise.
Norshahrul, casually known among fans as Mat Yo, said he was particularly proud of Safee, in which he described the 39-year-old footballer as an incredible player.
“Just like the fans, I am also especially surprised to hear the news of his retirement today.
“Maybe he has his own target after this, so I wish him success in continuing what he dreams of after this.
“Safee was an expert in scoring goals, while I was more about assisting and opening up opportunities for other players to score,” he said when met at the signing ceremony of the sponsorship agreement between the Malaysia Football League and Al Rajhi Bank and Investment Corporation, here, yesterday.
When Malaysia won the 2010 AFF Cup, Norshahrul and Safee were both strikers for Harimau Malaya.
At the regional tournament, Safee was awarded the Golden Boot for scoring five goals, making him the top scorer.
“I am sure all the fans will remember that moment. I can never forget our partnership during the 2010 AFF Cup (that led us to victory),” Norshahrul added.
For the record, Malaysia has not won the AFF Cup ever since.
Safee announced his retirement at a media conference yesterday, describing it as a perfect ending to his two-decade journey in the sport. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023
