Safawi believes he will hit it off with JDT’s new signings

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) hotshot Safawi Rasid is itching for some action with his new teammates.

The 21-year-old Safawi, who will report for training today, said he was excited to learn from his new teammates after enjoying a good break following the national team’s AFF Suzuki Cup campaign last month.

“JDT have signed several top players and I see this as an opportunity for me to learn from them,” said Safawi.

“I had a nice break with my family in Dungun after the AFF Suzuki Cup. I feel refreshed and my body is well rested for the new season ... honestly, I started to miss football during my break.

The Southern Tigers underlined their intention for the 2019 Super League season by signing highly-rated Brazilian hitman Diogo Santo from Thai league champions Buriram United yesterday.

The 31-year-old was Buriram’s goal-scoring machine with 132 goals and 45 assists in just 158 games spanning the last four seasons which proved instrumental in the Thunder Castles winning three Thai League 1 titles.

Diogo becomes JDT’s latest inclusion from the first transfer window after the signings of Akhyar Rashid, Brazilian defender Mauricio dos Santos and Spanish midfielder Aaron Niguez.

JDT have retained Singaporean Hariss Harun and Iraqi Gonzalo Cabrera from last season.

Safawi added that he had grown into a better player since joining the five-time Super League champions in 2016 and he needs to thank club owner Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.

“I’ve enjoyed the best facilities and learnt from the top senior players. I’m looking forward to another good season.”

JDT have signed several top players and I see this as an opportunity for me to learn from them. Safawi Rasid