PETALING JAYA: Footballer Annil Vigneswaran (pic) is keen to make an impression in the third tier of Germany’s Bundesliga after signing for Waldhoff Manheim.
The Kajang-born Annil signed a one-year contract with Waldhoff recently and will play for the club’s Under-21 side.
“I signed about a week ago with Waldhoff and I have started training every day with the club since,” said Annil.
“But I can only play after Nov 20 due to the transfer rules in the country.”
This will not be the 20-year-old’s first stint abroad.
In fact, Annil has been playing for various lower division teams in Holland and Germany since the age of 15.
Annil received a glorious opportunity at the age of 12 to play for a short time for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam.
“I was lucky to get a chance with Ajax,” said Annil.
“I was there for six months before returning to Malaysia. I played for Kuala Lumpur Youth Soccer (KLYS) until I turned 15.
“Then, I received an opportunity to go to fifth tier Bundlesliga outfit SGV Freiberg.
“When I was 17, I moved to second division team SV Sandhausen and played for the Under-19 side for a year before transferring to Freiburger FC.
“I was in Freiburger for a year before signing for Waldhoff,” added Annil.
Annil is capable of playing both as a defender or midfielder.
“My position depends on the coach,” said the youngster.
“It has been a great experience for me in Germany.
“Of course the level is very high here but it’s great to get to play with top teams.”
It has not been easy for Annil to leave his family and country at such a young age but he has adapted well.
“It was difficult at first because it was a new country, culture and language,” admitted Annil.
“But with time, I managed to find good friends and learn to adapt to everything.
“I can speak the German language well now.”
Annil, who started playing football at the age of seven, is now keen to impress the coaches at his new club.
“If I train and perform well, I will get opportunities in the first team at Waldhoff as well,” he said.
“Everything is going well so far. I have had good feedback from the coaches.
“I also have good friends who are like family to me.”
On his biggest dream, Annil said: “I hope to become the first Malaysian to play in the Bundlesliga one day.
“If I don’t make it there, the next best for me will be Japanese, Korean clubs or Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).”
