Football
Nicolas Anil 8y

Kunalan, Amirulhadi join Safiq and Aidil to quit Malaysia national team

S. Kunanlan and Amirulhadi Zainal have become the latest cast of Johor Darul Ta'zim players to quit the national team in three days.

The duo's retirement comes after JDT teammates Safiq Rahim and Aidil Zafuan made known their intentions earlier in the week.

"I have decided to retire from representing the national team and my most recent appearance with the national team in the friendly match against Fiji would be my last appearance for the country," said Kunanlan on the club's Facebook page on Thursday.

"I am very proud to be able to wear the national jersey from my time representing the Under-23 team until recently. Thank you for all the support and guidance given to me all these years, I truly appreciate it.

The 29-year-old, who burst onto the national team in 2008 soon became a mainstay with the national side and was part of the 2009 SEA Games gold medal winning squad that ended a two decade drought for national honour.

A year later, Kunanlan, alongside Safiq, helped Malaysia to clinch their maiden AFF Cup success under the guidance of then national coach K.Rajagobal.

The Selangor-born, who started out as a winger, was later transformed into a fullback player after former JDT coach Bojan Hodak noticed his versatility and speed to track back and help the team at counter-attacks.

Kunanlan hangs up with national boots having made 86 appearances for the country, with one goal to his name against Cambodia in 2009.

Amirulhadi's retirement also raised eyebrows, considering the midfielder had been recalled to the national team after a five-year hiatus and was one of the better players at the Oceania Tour, with a goal against New Caledonia.

"Thanks to everyone for the support and opportunity given to me during my stint with the national team, especially coach Ong Kim Swee. This is my final contribution to the national team and my decision will allow the younger players to continue with the team's vision," said Amirulhadi on his Facebook page.

The 30-year-old leaves the national side with 34 senior caps, netting seven goals.

Besides the quartet, the other JDT players who were selected for the Oceania Tour in June are Izham Tarmizi, Junior Eldstal, Mahali Jasuli, Fazly Mazlan, S.Chanturu, Amri Yahyah and Fadhli Shas.

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