Hero’s welcome for Faiz
> KJ defends Puskas Award winner against criticism of his English
SEPANG: Puskas Award winner Mohd Faiz Subri was given a hero’s welcome by hundreds of football supporters upon his arrival at KL International Airport yesterday from Zurich, Switzerland.
Mohd Faiz, who was accompanied by his wife and two sons, was welcomed home by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Khairy said Mohd Faiz’s contribution in winning the coveted FIFA Puskas Award has brought hope for Malaysian football in improving its quality.
“I would like to congratulate Faiz for this outstanding win. This is the first time a Malaysian has received such recognition,” Khairy said during a joint press conference with Mohd Faiz.
“It is quite rare that Malaysian football has received good news such as this, and the award proves that there is a ray of light for us,” he added.
Khairy also chided those who criticised Mohd Faiz over his English language proficiency.
He said those who criticised the footballer over his speech had obviously never won an award at international level.
“Those who mocked him must look at his contribution in making this country proud instead of criticising him,” he said.
Mohd Faiz’s speech at the ceremony on Monday had drawn mixed reactions on social media.
Speaking in front of football superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, Mohd Faiz had problems looking for his speech on his handphone.
Some had claimed that they could not understand what he was saying in English.
In GEORGE TOWN, hundreds of fans, led by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, gave Mohd Faiz a rousing welcome at the Penang International Airport.
“I feel there will be no opportunity like this, meeting and seeing a world recognised player with us. This is special,” Lim said during a press conference yesterday.
Lim also announced a RM50,000 reward for Mohd Faiz from the state government.
Lim hoped the cash award would lift his spirit to give his best and score more goals for Penang in the new season.