Bergson eager to shine for Harimau Malaya

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) Bergson da Silva is ready to answer the Harimau Malaya call after FIFA cleared the striker to represent Malaysia as a naturalised player.

The prolific Brazilian-born forward said he was proud to receive the green light and is eager to join the national training camp on Sept 21 ahead of the FIFA Asean Cup.

Bergson, 29, admitted he never imagined he would one day be naturalised when he arrived in Malaysia five or six years ago.

"When I first came here, I never thought about being naturalised. My only target was to give my best for JDT.

"I am very happy with my performances and the strong support given by the Boss (Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) throughout this journey. I want to repay all the support from Malaysia and the Boss through hard work on the pitch," he said.

The confirmation of Bergson and his teammate Brad Tapp's eligibility gives interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe more attacking options as he prepares the squad for the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup in Jakarta next week.

With Malaysia also preparing for the Asian Cup qualifiers and FIFA international windows, Bergson said he would be ready whenever called up by the national team.

"I am always ready. Every day, I go to sleep and wake up thinking about goals. If I am called up to join the national team on Sept 21, I will be ready.

"However, it does not depend entirely on me as there are bureaucratic matters involved, but the desire is certainly there," he said.

Bergson also hopes to make an immediate impact for Malaysia by scoring on his international debut.