Hard at work: Romel Morales going through the drills during training. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Colombian Romel Morales’ six-year wait for a shot at playing for Malaysia in the international football stage is finally over.
After dazzling the fans with his silky movements and thunderous goals in the M-League, Morales has been given a break when he was named in the 26-man squad gearing up for the Asian Cup in Qatar from Jan 12-Feb 10.
He arrived here as a young 21-year-old in 2018, and fast forward to 2023, he has been given a Malaysian passport in order for him to don the black and yellow colours of the national jersey.
Naturally, Morales, who is a force in attacking, is over the moon as he has been seen worthy to play for the country.
“I arrived in Malaysia with so many dreams six years ago, but I never expected this. It’s an honour to wear the Malaysian jersey. I’m still pinching myself,” said Morales.
He has played for sides like PKNS and Melaka in the past, before making his name with Kuala Lumpur by winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021.
“I feel I belong here as I’ve experienced so many things over the past years. I’m glad I took the chance to move here. I’m grateful.”
“I was a bit nervous after the call-up but after two days of training with the boys, I feel good. It feels like a big family.
“It’s much easier to adapt when everyone is close-knit. I’m just happy to be part of this environment. I hope to give more to be on the same level with them.
“I know my quality, and I know I can help the team, it’s my responsibility. I will adapt to the national team as fast as possible.”
Though he doesn’t press as much as modern attackers do, Morales shows his skills on the ball with his deft touches and passes.
Most importantly, he knows how to use his height (1.87m) well when it comes to attacking set-pieces, scoring headers and tap-ins for his clubs.
With such arsenal of skills, his selection by national coach Kim Pan-gon did not come as a surprise as he can certainly add a difference in the attack.
Morales said the team were motivated to create history for Malaysia.
“The team want to reach the last 16 stage. I may be played as the number nine (centre forward) or 10 (attacking midfielder), I am game for it as long as I fit the coach’s tactical system.”
World No.130 Malaysia will kick off their Group E campaign against No. 87 Jordan at the Al Janoub Stadium on Jan 15 and then No. 86 Bahrain at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Jan 20) before wrapping up against world No. 23 South Korea at the Al Janoub Stadium (Jan 25).
On paper, it’s a gargantuan task for Malaysia to get into the next stage but with Morales on board, his physical and elegant presence may bring the nation to greater heights.
