PETALING JAYA: Same city but different clubs. That’s the change for Brendan Gan this upcoming Super League season after spending four years at Selangor and now joining Kuala Lumpur.
Roughly 20km apart, the Petaling Jaya Council Stadium (MBPJ) and Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Cheras are the switch for Brendan’s home ground as the close proximity was among the factors the 36-year-old decided to become a City Boy.
Announcing his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Brendan said his family played a huge role in his decision to join the City Boys, which expedited the negotiations.
“It actually took quite a short time to get the deal done. Credit to the management because they presented me with something that allowed me to still remain in the city.
“Family was a big part of my decision and staying in the city was an important thing for me,” he said.
Although there were offers for the midfielder from other clubs in the country as well as overseas, Brendan said the decision to stay in the Klang Valley didn’t come easy.
“There was a bit of interest from other clubs and it was a hard decision to make in the end. So I spoke to my family, which made things easier for me.
“The playing side of things in Kuala Lumpur was not a worry for me, it was just making sure I set my family up in the right place, and I feel that the right place for me right now is Kuala Lumpur,” said Brendan.
The Harimau Malaya player added that Kuala Lumpur’s management, including chief executive officer Stanley Bernard, had laid out the club’s future plans, which convinced Brendan to join the team despite issues of salary arrears in the past.
“These things happen in most clubs and have been happening for a while. Having a chat with Stanley, and with the Communications Minister coming on board, it’s really pushing the team forward.
“That is why Stanley has assured me that I will be able to come to this club and I’ll have peace of mind not just for myself but my family as well. They have shown me a good future for the club,” he said.
At the same time, Brendan cleared the air on his recent comments stating that Selangor was not interested in renewing his contract.
“I had a great time at Selangor, there was nothing that was bad there and I enjoyed my time.
“We had a lot of success at the end of last year and I was looking forward to helping them again in 2024 but things happen in football very quickly.
“I’ve made peace with those emotions a long time ago and I think right now this is the greatest opportunity for me. I hope I can help Kuala Lumpur to some success,” he said.
