AMRI FAR FROM DONE
Veteran striker aims to keep scoring till he is 40
AGE is just a number for Amri Yahyah as the veteran striker believes he can keep his career going beyond 40. The national captain, who turned 36 on Jan 21, will leave for Manila today together with the national team for the friendly against the Philippines on Wednesday.
Amri wants to emulate former Singapore international Aleksandar Duric, who retired from professional football only aged 44 in 2014.
The Selangor-born Amri hardly gets injured and is still one of the best forwards in the country.
He is currently playing for Super League side Malacca.
“I want to play professional football for as long as I can.
“I have no plans to retire at the moment…I still feel good, I feel young,” said
Amri after the national team edged Premier
League side Police 1-0 in a practice match at Panasonic Stadium in
Shah Alam on Saturday.
“My form has not suffered with age. I am still playing for the country and I want to continue doing so.
“I know that it gets harder as you age, but in my head I think it’s possible.
“Duric was one of the most feared strikers in this region and he played international football until he was 42 before he retiring two years later. I aim to emulate him.
“If you look after yourself and do things right, you can reach 40. I have the desire and motivation to continue.”
Amri silenced his doubters last season by emerging as Malaysia’s top scorer with five goals.
He has 58 caps and has scored 16 goals in total for the national team.
The forward hopes Malaysia will garner a good start to the season in the friendly against the Philippines.
“It is still early in the season and everyone is match fit from club football.
“We are in good condition and focused on the match.
“Our aim is to beat the Philippines as recent matches against them have been ending in draws,” Amri added.
National coach Ong Kim Swee said his team need to work on a few things ahead of the friendly.
“Our midfield needs to tighten movements during defensive and attacking situations.
“We will work on it in our final sessions on Monday and Tuesday in Manila,” he said.