KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player Safee Sali, one of the most decorated footballers of his generation, has retired from the sport.
The 39-year-old spent a glorious 19 years competing in the M-League, winning multiple Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup titles.
He was on the books at Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Selangor, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), PKNS, Petaling Jaya City, Kuala Lumpur (KL) City as well as Indonesian side Pelita Jaya.
The Kajang-born player is also the only Malaysian to feature in the AFC Cup final twice, winning it with JDT in 2015 and finishing runners-up with KL City last year.
Safee was also a key figure in the national squad.
He was part of the 2010 AFF Cup winning side and won the Golden Boot at the same edition. In total he made 74 appearances with Harimau Malaya, last of which came in a goalless draw with Philippines in 2017.
He scored 24 international goals for Malaysia and 136 goals at club level.
A saddened Safee said he made the decision to retire as M-League clubs have lost interest in signing him.
"I have always worked hard in matches and training but when people don't trust your abilities...it hurts and I feel there's no point for me to be demotivated and stress myself anymore," said Safee during a press conference today.
"I have seen many ups and downs since I started my career as a 17-year-old. I have to thank a lot of people for their support and I learned a lot when I moved from KL to Selangor and then to Pelita Jaya in Indonesia. I came back to join JDT.
"I have had a close relationship with FAM president Datuk Hamidin (Amin) since my days with Selangor and the national team.
"He always said that I have something special, I appreciate his guidance."
Despite his retirement from competitive football, Safee said he will continue to be involved in the sport. He is currently Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) president.
Safee disclosed that he is also working on a documentary titled 'Sepuluh' (ten) which he is co-producing and is also looking to establish his own football academy - Safee Sali Football Centre.
Meanwhile, Hamidin said Safee has been a good role model for the younger generation and does not rule out the possibility of him joining FAM in the future.
"To me, Safee has similarities with (the late) Datuk Mokhtar Dahari. They both have similar attitudes and are very humble. Safee has also had a good career with a lot of success at the club level," said Hamidin.
"Safee seems to have planned his career well and he is retiring on a high. I don't know in detail his achievements as PFAM president but who knows, he could be in FAM in the future."
