Argentina’s Aimar signs for JDT


Johor FA president Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (left) and former Argentinian international Pablo Aimar posing for a photograph at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru on Saturday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Argentine international Pablo Aimar on Saturday signed a contract with Johor Darul Takzim, making him one of the biggest foreign names to ever join a team in the Southeast Asian country.

Aimar signed for two years – with an option to extend for another three – in a ceremony at a stadium in southern Johor state, a football official said.

The official declined to reveal the contract’s value but said the 33-year-old attacking midfielder was the “highest ever paid foreign player to have ever graced Malaysian football”.

Aimar has earned 52 international caps and was an important member of Argentina’s 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads.

He also has had a successful club career, first with Argentine giants River Plate, and later Spanish top-tier teams Valencia, Real Zaragoza and most recently Portugal’s Benfica.

Aimar impressed many as a teenager with his playmaking skills, earning early comparisons to Argentine legend Diego Maradona. Due in part to injuries, Aimar was never able live up to such lofty expectations.

Johor Darul Takzim finished last season in third place.

Malaysia allows two foreign players per team though this is expected to increase to three next year, according to football officials.

There are currently dozens of foreigners playing in its top tier as Malaysian football has tried to attract big names to boost a sport beset by match-fixing scandals.

Last year the Football Association of Malaysia suspended 18 youth players and banned a coach for life for match-fixing. — AFP

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Football , M-League

   

Next In Football

Soccer-Spurs right to challenge length of Bentancur ban says Postecoglou
Soccer-Ed Sheeran helped Ipswich sign player before Taylor Swift concert, says club CEO
Soccer-Real Madrid visit lowly Leganes trying to cope with injury crisis
Soccer-Martino resigns from Miami after MLS Playoff defeat - media reports
Soccer-All eyes on Amorim as new Man Utd era begins at Ipswich
Soccer-Southampton suffer Ramsdale and Bednarek blow
Soccer-Forward Ramos close to PSG return, says Luis Enrique
Soccer-Chelsea's Maresca excited to face old club Leicester but James injured again
Soccer-Milan bid to hand injury-hit Juve first Serie A loss of season
Soccer-France sports minister says ex-football federation chief withdrawing defamation complaint

Others Also Read