Latest news with #Argentine-born


The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Harimau Malaya welcomes Facundo Garces ahead of Vietnam clash
PETALING JAYA: The national football team will have a new addition for their upcoming clash against Vietnam as they welcome Facundo Garces to the squad. The Argentine-born centre-back was announced by Harimau Malaya on Monday (June 2), adding that he has cleared all paperwork and is ready to be picked by head coach Peter Cklamovski. The 25-year-old Garces plays in the La Liga with Spanish club Deportivo Alaves. Garces arrived in Malaysia during the FIFA transfer window and will be eligible to be fielded during the Asian Cup third-round qualifiers fixture against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.


The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Aguero's now fearless after being part of shock win over Devils
Gaining confidence: Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo (left) moving past Asean All-Stars' Sergio Aguero. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Sergio Aguero feels unstoppable after going toe-to-toe with Manchester United. The Harimau Malaya naturalised striker was captain of the Asean All-Stars squad that defeated English giants Manchester United 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. But it wasn't just about the win for Aguero, who said he is oozing confidence after playing against the Red Devils. 'I feel like now I can play against everyone, I feel confident. 'It was one of my best experiences, mainly because of the team that we played against. They are a top club. The way they control the ball, the passes that they make are crazy. It was a historic moment for myself,' he said. United played a match against the All-Stars as part of the post-season tour, which continues in Hong Kong, but left in disappointment after substitute Muang Muang Lwin of Myanmar scored the winning goal to lift the Maybank Challenge Cup. Aguero, who plays for Pahang, added that simply being in the squad that took on the 20-time English top-flight league title winners was a proud moment in itself. 'It's a historic moment for us, not just for the win but just to have played the match. I was already very happy for that. 'Of course, the win was an added bonus. I started to feel confident with the ball and trusted myself during the match,' he said. Aguero's performance also earned praise from United head coach Ruben Amorim, who spoke highly of him after the match. 'Aguero is a good player, he controlled the midfield quite well,' said Amorim. The Argentine-born Aguero said he shared some words on the pitch with fellow countryman Alejandro Garnacho, along with Spanish-speaking Brazilian Casemiro. 'I spoke with Garnacho because he is from Argentina and plays for the national team. He's a great guy. I also shared some words with Casemiro because he speaks Spanish after playing in Spain for a long time. 'They were really tired, it has been a lot of travelling for them, having arrived here right after their final Premier League match,' he said.


The Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mount aims to make the most of United's time in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: It doesn't matter if it's Old Trafford or the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, anytime Mason Mount puts on the Manchester United jersey, it's game time. But the English footballer, who is in Kuala Lumpur for the Red Devils' clash against the Asean All-Stars today, also wants to make the most out of his trip to Malaysia. The squad had little time to rest after their final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, having departed for Malaysia right after winning 2-0 at home. 'It was a quick turnaround after our last league match, it was straight on the plane after the game, but we are excited. 'We don't get the opportunity to be over this side of the world and see our fans here very often, so we obviously want to make the most of it. We got off the plane and there were hundreds of people waiting to welcome us, it was amazing. 'I'm very excited to be over here and looking forward to the match,' he said during the pre-match press conference at the W Hotel here yesterday. Mount is part of the 32-man squad named by head coach Ruben Amorim for their post-season tour, and will play against the Asean All-Stars at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. After playing tonight, United will head to Hong Kong, where they take on the Hong Kong national team on Friday. But although there is excitement, the 26-year-old Mount is taking things seriously as the trip to Asia is part of the gaffer's plan to rebuild the squad. 'Anytime you put on that shirt and you're representing the club, you want to perform to the best of your ability. 'We want to win the game and it's going to be a competitive match against the Asean All-Stars, so we're looking forward to it and we want to perform the best we can,' he said. Meanwhile, the Asean All-Stars will be led by Pahang forward Sergio Aguero, and the Argentine-born is proud to play against the Red Devils. 'We are proud to play against a giant team like United. It's a big responsibility and we will do out best. 'We welcome them here but we will try to win the game,' he said.


New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Asean XI captain determined to give United a hard time
KUALA LUMPUR: National striker Sergio Aguero will lead the Asean All-Stars when they lock horns with Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow (May 28). The Sri Pahang forward was introduced as team captain during an official press conference held at a hotel here today (May 27). The Argentine-born, naturalised player extended a warm welcome to the English giants during the presser. He, however, made it clear that the Asean All-Stars intend to rise to the occasion and give the 20-time English champions a run for their money. "Welcome to Malaysia, Manchester United," said the 31-year-old, addressing United manager Ruben Amorim and midfielder Mason Mount. "It is a proud moment for us to play against a giant club like United, and it also comes with great responsibility. "Of course, we will do our best. Even though we welcome them here, we will try to win the match." Aguero is one of five Malaysians selected for the Asean All-Stars squad which features top footballers from across Southeast Asia. He made 25 appearances for Sri Pahang this season across the Super League, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup. He led the club to the Malaysia Cup decider this year but was sent off in the final. Sri Pahang went on to lose 2-1 to Johor Darul Ta'zim. Joining him in the Asean All-Stars squad are Terengganu FC defender Azam Azmi Murad, Penang FC winger Adib Abdul Ra'op, Perak FC goalkeeper Haziq Nazdli and Kuala Lumpur City FC defender Declan Lambert. Thailand's Patiwat Khammai,Peeradol Chamrasamee, Worachit Kanitsribampen and Ben Davies, Vietnam's Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Van Vi, Do Duy Manh and Nguyen Hoang Duc, Indonesia's Asnawi Mangkualam and Muhammad Ferarri, Cambodia's Abdel Coulibaly and Kan Mo are also in the squad. The other players in the team - coached by Kim Sang Sik - are Irfan Fandi (Singapore), Maung Maung Lwin (Myanmar), Azwan Ali Rahman (Brunei), Bounphachan Bounkong (Laos) and Joao Pedro (Timor Leste). United return to Malaysia for the first time in 16 years, having last played here in 2009 when they recorded 3-2 and 2-0 victories in back-to-back friendlies against a Malaysian XI. Following tomorrow's fixture, the Red Devils will head to Hong Kong on Friday (May 30) for the second leg of their pre-season tour.

Barnama
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Aguero Ready To Fly Malaysian Flag In ASEAN All-Stars Match Against Red Devils
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Harimau Malaya naturalised striker Sergio Aguero has described his selection for the ASEAN All-Stars squad as a significant milestone in his football career ahead of their clash against English giants Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup on Wednesday here. The Sri Pahang FC forward said the opportunity to represent Malaysia on such a prominent stage, even in an exhibition match, is a great honour and a proud moment for him. 'It's an incredible honour to be selected for such a historic match. Playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world, alongside some of the best players from this region, is truly a dream come true. 'What makes it even more special is the chance to represent Malaysia at this stage, carrying the flag in front of our home fans means everything to me,' said the 31-year-old Argentine-born in a statement. The match against United is set to take place at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here. Besides Aguero, four other national players selected are Terengganu FC defender Muhammad Azam Azmi Murad, Penang FC winger Muhammad Adib Abdul Ra'op, Perak FC goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq Nazdli and Kuala Lumpur City FC defender Declan Lambert. The last time The Red Devils played in Malaysia was during their 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time EPL champions are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their pre-season tour to play against the Hong Kong national team on May 30. Meanwhile, according to the statement, the organisers have informed that ticket sales have been brisk with several categories already sold out.