KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Despite having the potential to make a name for himself abroad, sensational winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi remains loyal to local football giants Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
The 2024-2025 National Football Awards (ABK) Most Valuable Player (MVP) said he still needs to work hard to become a higher quality player to help the Southern Tigers face greater challenges in the future.
"My challenges in Malaysia or in JDT are enormous. But it's not easy for me to stay in JDT forever and I need to work harder to keep my position.
"Maybe the supporters or the media like to say there are offers from outside (clubs). But as a player, I know how difficult it is for clubs from outside to find players in Malaysia. I think I will stay at JDT forever,” he said.
He said this when met after the ABK 20242-2025 ceremony here, last night.
Yesterday, Arif Aiman made history when he became the first player to be named MVP for the fourth consecutive time in ABK 2024-2025.
The success put the national player in a class of his own when he surpassed the achievements of former national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha who won a hat-trick in the 2010 to 2012 seasons.
The 22-year-old player also dominated three other categories, namely the Best Midfielder, the Best Goal of the Malaysia League (M-League) 2024-2025 and also the Fans XI (Forward).
Arif Aiman continued to make the Malaysia League this season a stage for him to demonstrate his prowess by scoring 12 goals and 13 'assists' to help the Southern Tigers lift the Super League, Charity Shield and FA Cup and advance to the Malaysia Cup final against Sri Pahang FC at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, this Saturday.
Meanwhile, he said he would give everything to help JDT perform their best when they face Sri Pahang in Bukit Jalil, thus completing the triple quadruple this season.
"The performance in the final will not only be for the supporters but for everyone including the coaches, players and my family.
"We all need to prepare for the next match (Malaysia Cup final). God willing, we will give our best," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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