Ex-Argentina international Pablo Aimar signs for Malaysia club Johor DT
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Former Valencia and Benfica playmaker Pablo Aimar officially signed with Malaysian club Johor Darul Takzim on Saturday.
The 33-year-old had hinted at a return to his homeland after leaving Benfica in the summer but finally opted for a new challenge in the Malaysia Super League.
Aimar has signed a contract that will see him as a player for two years, while the remaining three years will see him help Johor with their football development through JFA's football academy due to open next year.
Johor declined to reveal the contract's value but according to reports, the Argentinian will be the highest paid foreign player in the history of Malaysian football.
"I want to be involved with football, not only on the field but also to give back to the community, especially to children," Aimar told the media through a translator.
Aimar said he had offers from various club in the Middle East, United States and Australia, but chose Malaysia as the country held a "special place" to him.
He added: "I have fond memories playing in this country especially at Larkin Stadium here during the 1997 FIFA World Youth Cup where I helped Argentina win the tournament."
This move represents a massive coup for Johor football, which has been revitalised by the Johor Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
Besides Aimar, they have also appointed former Atlético Madrid and Valencia coach César Ferrando as their new boss and signed former Spain U-21 striker Braulio for the new campaign.
"I promise that next season JDT will play entertaining football," said Tunku Ismail.
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| Former Argentina international Pablo Aimar unveiled as new Johor Darul Takzim player Photo: Johor Darul Takzim |
The 33-year-old had hinted at a return to his homeland after leaving Benfica in the summer but finally opted for a new challenge in the Malaysia Super League.
Aimar has signed a contract that will see him as a player for two years, while the remaining three years will see him help Johor with their football development through JFA's football academy due to open next year.
Johor declined to reveal the contract's value but according to reports, the Argentinian will be the highest paid foreign player in the history of Malaysian football.
"I want to be involved with football, not only on the field but also to give back to the community, especially to children," Aimar told the media through a translator.
Aimar said he had offers from various club in the Middle East, United States and Australia, but chose Malaysia as the country held a "special place" to him.
He added: "I have fond memories playing in this country especially at Larkin Stadium here during the 1997 FIFA World Youth Cup where I helped Argentina win the tournament."
This move represents a massive coup for Johor football, which has been revitalised by the Johor Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
Besides Aimar, they have also appointed former Atlético Madrid and Valencia coach César Ferrando as their new boss and signed former Spain U-21 striker Braulio for the new campaign.
"I promise that next season JDT will play entertaining football," said Tunku Ismail.
