Argentine Hidalgo eyes Malaysia call-up after December
The 26-year-old, currently on loan to KL City from Johor Darul Ta'zim, said he will meet FIFA's five-year residency requirement after December, making him eligible to play for Harimau Malaya.
"I think I will have been here for five years by that time," said Hidalgo, who debuted in the Super League with Sri Pahang in April, 2021.
However, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Benfica youth winger said he has yet to speak to national team head coach Peter Cklamovski on the matter.
On joining KL City, who had difficulty paying salaries in previous seasons, Hidalgo said the backing of JDT had given him the confidence in making the move.
Hidalgo also defended KL City coach Risto Vidakovic following online claims that the team's training sessions have been lacking in intensity.
"The squad that we have this year is going to be something to talk about," he said.
Hidalgo also dismissed rumours of dressing room unrest in KL City, adding that the rapport between the coach and players has been good.
The City Boys kick off their Super League season with a match against Immigration FC at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang on Saturday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Lionel Messi's leg injury minor, Inter Miami confirms
INTER MIAMI has described Lionel Messi's right leg injury as minor, easing concerns over the superstar's fitness. The Argentine exited early in Saturday's Leagues Cup match against Necaxa after a collision with two opponents. Medical tests confirmed the issue is not serious. The club stated, 'The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.' Without Messi, Inter Miami fought back to draw 2-2 before winning 5-4 on penalties. The Herons sit second in the Leagues Cup standings with five points. They face Pumas UNAM next on Wednesday. Messi, 38, has 18 MLS goals this season, tied for the league lead. He also contributed two assists in Miami's Leagues Cup opener. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains pivotal as Miami eyes playoff contention. - Reuters
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Machuca thanks his grandma for Malaysia shirt
KUALA LUMPUR: His footie-loving granny worked hard to get him to play for a national team in the other side of the world. The Argentine-born Imanol Machuca attributed his move to Harimau Malaya to his Malaysian grandmother. In an interview with Spanish media outlet, Sabado Velez recently, the 25-year-old winger said his Malaysia debut was a "unique experience", one made possible by his grandmother. Machuca played a key role as Malaysia thrashed Asean powerhouse Vietnam 4-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. In retrospect, Machuca thanked his grandmother for making his Malaysia dream a reality. "I got a phone call from my grandmother. She had been working on this (joining Malaysia) for a while. I had been talking about it for some time, but never managed to make it happen. Thank God, this year I was finally able to play. It was incredible." Speaking ahead of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, Machuca, who plays for Velez Sarsfield FC in Argentina, also talked about his Malaysian adventure. "There's a lot of passion in Malaysia. When the announcement (about Machuca playing for Malaysia) was made, the post got 15,000 likes and so many comments with the Malaysian flag. I want to send a big hug to all Malaysians," he said. Machuca said he was charmed in his first visit to Malaysia. "It's a beautiful country. Economically stable, the cities are very nice, although the weather is quite humid and hot. "People are friendly. They treated me well, and the culture is impressive. "I have been in contact with the coach (Peter Cklamovski). I hope they will call me again. I had a great experience in the Asian Cup qualifiers. We did well and I hope we can win our next two games (against Laos on Oct 9 and 14)."
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Argentine Hidalgo eyes Malaysia call-up after December
KUALA LUMPUR: Argentine Manuel Hidalgo hopes to be a national player for Malaysia. The 26-year-old, currently on loan to KL City from Johor Darul Ta'zim, said he will meet FIFA's five-year residency requirement after December, making him eligible to play for Harimau Malaya. "I think I will have been here for five years by that time," said Hidalgo, who debuted in the Super League with Sri Pahang in April, 2021. However, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Benfica youth winger said he has yet to speak to national team head coach Peter Cklamovski on the matter. On joining KL City, who had difficulty paying salaries in previous seasons, Hidalgo said the backing of JDT had given him the confidence in making the move. Hidalgo also defended KL City coach Risto Vidakovic following online claims that the team's training sessions have been lacking in intensity. "The squad that we have this year is going to be something to talk about," he said. Hidalgo also dismissed rumours of dressing room unrest in KL City, adding that the rapport between the coach and players has been good. The City Boys kick off their Super League season with a match against Immigration FC at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang on Saturday.
