Old is gold: Paulo Josue is the oldest out of the 26 Malaysia players who flew to Auckland on Sunday.
PETALING JAYA: Age is fast catching up with Paulo Josue but he remains as an anchor for the national football team.
The 35-year-old is the oldest out of the 26 players who flew to Auckland on Sunday to play against New Zealand in a friendly match at the North Harbour Stadium on Oct 14.
Josue has only played for the Harimau Malaya for more than a year but he feels it has been his best years.
“Just years ago, I was a youngster with a dream to be a footballer, but now I am the eldest in the national team. I guess someone has to be, right? I will take it,” said Josue.
“I do not feel my age, but I do feel a little shy thinking about it.”
The naturalised striker, who was born in Brazil, made his Malaysian debut against Turkmenistan on March 23 last year and since then has won 15 caps, scoring five goals.
In Auckland, he is expected to be one of the senior players to spearhead the attack, thanks to his superb form with Kuala Lumpur, scoring eight goals in 11 matches in all competitions.
So how is Josue coping with the game so intense and physical?
“I think the main point is to be willing to learn and be disciplined enough to understand your physical weaknesses as you age. I know I still have something to contribute to football.
“These past three to four years, I feel great. In my 30s, I am helping my club a lot and now doing my part for Harimau Malaya.
“Even if I am playing for 10 minutes or a full 90 minutes or even supporting the team from home, I’ll give my best. I’ve experience on and off the pitch.”
When Josue first joined Kuala Lumpur in 2017, he was a playmaker tasked to provide ammunition for attackers via set-pieces, crosses and passes.
But since last year, the player from Rio Grande do Sul has been used as a striker by Kuala Lumpur and even with the national team, he has been deployed upfront, usually partnering with one striker or two wingers.
Though Josue fancies being a playmaker, he likes his role as a striker so far.
“It is not bad so far, especially if you look at my scoring rate. Of course, there are a lot of differences compared to my previous position.
“I’m still adapting, but everything looks good.”
Josue will surely be put to the test against New Zealand, who have solid defenders at their disposal.
“They look like a very physical team with strong and tall guys. Plus New Zealand are ranked higher than us in the FIFA standings (Malaysia are ranked no. 132, while New Zealand are no.97).
“We also have to deal with the cold weather conditions, which we are fine with, and playing at their den.
“It will be a challenge, but we are looking forward to it.”
