Anawin’s travel turns Home Alone

Thai star comes to pJ City but virus spoils his debut

Petaling Jaya City’s new signing Anawin Jujeen (pic) won it all in Thailand and wanted more outside the country. He found his dream club with PJ City and just as he was about to embark on his new adventure abroad, it went wrong.

The Covid-19 pandemic hit, the country started the movement control order, the M-League went into hiatus and Anawin is now home alone in Petaling Jaya, waiting to be unleashed upon the Malaysian public.

The former Thai international was imperious during his time in top Thai club Buriram United with whom he won the Thai Premier League three times (2013, 2014 and 2015), FA Cup twice (2013 and 2015) and the Thai League Cup in 2013 and 2015.

Even though he has only five caps for Thailand, Anawin was a respected professional known for his versatility as he can play as rightback, right-winger and midfielder.

Last season, while playing for PTT Rayong, he felt that it was time to explore the world and told his agent to look for possible moves around the region.

“Since making my debut for Bangkok Glass in 2010, I have won 17 cups with Bangkok and

Buriram.

“In 2016, I left Buriram and played for Suphanburi, and in 2018, I was with Rayong,” said the 33-year-old.

“I wondered how football was like in other countries, and I told my agent to look for options outside of Thailand. I wanted to challenge myself. I think footballers should always come out of their comfort zone.

“My agent told me that PJ City were looking for a player to fill up their Asean quota. He said it is one of the best-managed professional clubs in

Malaysia and highly ambitious.”

Anawin did not think twice about signing on the dotted line.

“Finally, I got my wish of playing for a foreign club. Even though I have not made my debut due to the virus outbreak, I have prepared myself to give my all once the season resumes.

“Many people are talking about my time in Bangkok and Buriram and using that to help PJ City, but I think football is the same all over the world.

“Playing as a team is the most important. One footballer does not make a team. Without teamwork, you can never succeed. In Thailand, I gave my all in every match, and you can expect the same thing in Malaysia.”

Anawin went on to say that he wants to help the club win at least one trophy this season to start his foreign adventure on a high.

“We have a hardworking group, so I am sure all of them will only give their best when the league resumes.

“Right now, we have to face the virus first. Let’s just obey the Government orders and get rid of the Covid-19 virus so we can continue with our lives.

“Me, I just cannot wait to lace my boots and start playing in the Super League.”