KUALA LUMPUR: National team defender Facundo Garces has clarified his status as a heritage player for Malaysia.
The Argentine-born Garces was reported as saying that one of his “great grandparents” was from Malaysia.
Garces, however, later clarified that his statement in a recent interview with Spanish portal, El Correo was misreported as he had said “grandparents”, not “great grandparents”.
Fifa only recognises heritage players with links to their grandparents.
The Alaves FC player declared his pride in being a Malaysian citizen, as he has Malaysian blood because of his grandparent.
“It was just a transcription error (El Correo interview). I am Malaysian from my grandparents roots and I’m honoured to play for my country,” he said in an Instagram post.
In June, Argentine media outlet radiogol.com reported that Garces, who previously played for Club Atletico Colon in Argentina before joining Alaves in Spain, has a Malaysian grandmother.
“For Facundo Garces, who once played with Colon, it is understood his connection to Malaysia is through his grandmother,” reported radiogol.com.
Garces starred in Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
