KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian footballer Brendan Gan is an inspiration not only to his sport but to cancer patients.
The 36-year-old is an inspiration to many, coming back from two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and beating testicular cancer.
While many would retire, Brendan strived on and returned to football and then to the national team.
Brendan was one of the 26 players who represented Harimau Malaya at the ongoing Asian Cup in Doha.
Although Brendan played only one match in Doha, his performance in the middle of the park for Harimau Malaya against star-studded South Korea was eye-catching and received praise from many.
Surprisingly, coach Kim Pan Gon did not select Brendan for the earlier matches against Jordan and Bahrain.
With his fighting qualities, Brendan will likely continue representing the country as Harimau Malaya resume their World Cup qualifying campaign soon.
"Let's call it the two-year Asian Cup dream. The dream evolved every minute since watching the team qualify for the Asian Cup in Bukit Jalil," posted Brendan on Instagram.
"First was the dream to survive cancer. The second was to get back onto the field for the club and then perform well enough to reach the next step.
He was out for a year to get treatment for early-stage testicular cancer and only made his comeback in June 2022.
"The next step was to wear the colours of Harimau Malaya again.
"To be able to join this amazing group of 26 to go to battle on Asia's biggest stage was an honour.
"This is just a reminder... Everyone faces their battles, big and small. Persistence in your dreams is key."
"To be able to join this amazing group of 26 players to go to battle on Asia's biggest stage was an honour.
"Everyone faces their own battles, big and small. Persistence in your dreams is key."
Brendan has earned 35 international caps and plays for Selangor in the M-League.
