Malaysian footballer attacked with acid vows to play again
A Malaysian international who was gravely injured in an acid attack in May burst into tears on Thursday, promising to return to football in "one to two months".In the attack in a shopping mall outside Kuala Lumpur on May 5, Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim sustained fourth-degree burns to his neck, shoulder, hands, and chest.
Nicknamed "Mickey," the popular 26-year-old spent three weeks in the hospital and underwent many surgeries for burns on his skin.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the ordeal, a sobbing Faisal said: "My hope is to return to the pitch in the next one to two months, even though the doctor says it could take up to six months."
He said, "I am willing to return" to training when the doctors give me the go-ahead."
Scars were apparent on the left side of his head and face. He also appeared underweight, and his muscular motions were slow.
A dozen beefy security in black accompanied the athlete to the news conference.
Faisal did not explain why, but did say that "right now I am kept in a secret hideout" with his family, expressing hope that "I can soon be free and no need to hide".
Two persons were apprehended following the attack, but both were released without being charged. It is unclear what motivated the assault.
Faisal's case was the most serious and high-profile of four top-tier Malaysian footballers charged with crimes in May.
These instances are not thought to be linked.
Faisal is an established Malaysian international whose equaliser against South Korea at the start of the year was voted best goal at the Asian Cup.
“I miss football,” added Faisal.
Malaysia’s domestic football season was scheduled to begin on May 10 with a curtain-raiser between Faisal’s Selangor and Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Selangor pulled out citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats”, but the league got under way the following day under heavy security.
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