No more tough guys in local football?
Football legend Indra Putra Mahayuddin thinks so. He feels that they don't make footballers like they used to.
Indra, Malaysia's all-time top scorer in the Super League with 106 goals, said the footballers of today are pampered, compared to the tough ways he came through.
Indra asked how is it possible that he, at 44 years old, still plays in the A1 Semi-Pro League and could still keep up with his team's training sessions.
That proves one thing — the training intensity of today is not as tough compared to his early years as a professional.
"I see a big difference between players from the past and players now. Back then, we went through training that was intense and crazy.
"But now, even at my age, I can still follow the training sessions. That says a lot about how training today isn't as hard. Players these days are pampered.
"When they're criticised, many can't handle it. But criticism is there to help you grow, not to bring you down. That's what many of us from the older generation went through and benefited from,"
he said.
Indra earned over 50 caps for the national team from 2002-2015 and netted 17 international goals. A product of the Perak youth system, he burst onto the scene with Perak before going on to represent Kelantan, Selangor, Pahang, Felda United and KL City.
Known for his intelligence, composure in front of goal and versatility on the left flank or as a forward, Indra was one of the few Malaysian players to perform at a high level across two decades.
He said Harimau Malaya today is in a far better place than it was during his time, thanks to reforms and talent additions.
"We should thank the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, for introducing big changes. The inclusion of heritage players has helped take the national team forward," he said.
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