Sports & Fitness

Super League: JDT confirms rumours about ex-Man Utd striker Falcao

Club also continue winning run with 3-0 away win against KL City

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 02 Mar 2023 7:40AM

Super League: JDT confirms rumours about ex-Man Utd striker Falcao
37-year-old Radamel Falcao, who will end his contract with La Liga club Rayo Vallecano, is expected to sign a two-year deal with JDT in the second M-League transfer window, which is from July 5 to August 1. – AFP pic, March 2, 2023

by Julie Jalaluddin

KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) confirms rumours today that former Manchester United star and Colombian international Radamel Falcao will be joining the club soon.

However, JDT manager and head coach Esteban Solari explained that any final decision will be up to the club owner Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s prerogative.

“There is a possibility. It is something that our boss is working on.

“A club so big as JDT knows that there could be an opportunity, but we are still waiting for more news.

“I cannot say anymore because it depends on our boss, he will decide this,” said Solari.

Recently, Spanish media Marca reported that 37-year-old Falcao, who will end his contract with La Liga club Rayo Vallecano, is expected to sign a two-year deal with JDT in the second M-League transfer window, which is from July 5 to August 1.

The news of Falcao’s arrival also stated a possibility of him joining as an ambassador for the club and state.

Solari was met at a press conference after JDT defeated Kuala Lumpur City FC (KL City) 3-0, at the second Super League match held at Stadium Bolasepak Kuala Lumpur here last night.

Kuala Lumpur City FC’s Paulo Josue (right) tussles with Endrick dos Santos for the ball in yesterday’s match at Stadium Bolasepak Kuala Lumpur. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 2, 2023
Kuala Lumpur City FC’s Paulo Josue (right) tussles with Endrick dos Santos for the ball in yesterday’s match at Stadium Bolasepak Kuala Lumpur. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 2, 2023

JDT earned their lead in the first half thanks to KL City for scoring an own goal through forward Romel Morales at the 41st minute.

JDT doubled in the lead after Endrick dos Santos headed in the ball across Kevin Ray Mendoza in the 52nd minute.

Towards the end of the match, Arif Aiman Hanapi then made it three for the away team in the 90th minute.

Despite adding three more points to the overall standing, which placed them in the second position, Solari admitted that it was a difficult match against a strong opponent.

“Today was not the best condition to play football (due to the rain). Even though we created many opportunities in the first half, we had the most control of the game.

“I am especially happy with the team because we made a good defensive game. This means it gave us the strength to keep working in this direction,” he added.

Feroz Baharuddin (left) and Matthew Davies (right) of JDT battle for the ball with KL City’s Patrick Reichelt. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 2, 2023
Feroz Baharuddin (left) and Matthew Davies (right) of JDT battle for the ball with KL City’s Patrick Reichelt. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 2, 2023

Meanwhile, KL City head coach Bojan Hodak said that moving forward, it is important for the team to minimise mistakes as they have a long journey ahead in the league.

“Versus JDT, whenever you play an open game, if you give some chances then they will score.

“This is our individual mistake, and we need time to fix this. This is always the problem at the beginning of the season. But we still have a long way to go,” said Hodak. – The Vibes, March 2, 2023

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