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.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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