Thai League’s Sukhothai FC has finally announced the signing of Singapore International Zulfahmi Arifin via their social media page officially on Sunday. Despite the official announcement, the former Samut Prakan’s midfielder had already registered a few appearances for Sukhothai.
This new journey with Sukhothai FC is Zulfahmi’s fourth Thai League club after having turned out for Samut Prakan City in 2020-2021, Suphanburi in 2020 and Chonburi in 2018.
In fact, the midfielder was already in the midst of negotiating with two Thai League-1 clubs before the Sukhothai’s offer came. Interestingly, the persistence of Sukhothai head coach Dennis Amato’s was rewarded.
“Coach Dennis Amato has always believed in my ability. This is not the first time that he has been trying to get me onboard his team. With great privilege, he has once again approached me personally. However, as my agent was already representing me in negotiating with two of the League-1 teams, I did not agree right away. Part of me knew that I have always wanted to play at the highest level but the other part, I would love to repay the trust that coach Dennis had in me,” explained Zulfahmi.
With a timeline of just 48 hours given to him by Sukhothai FC to make a decision, it didn’t take Zulfahmi long, but not before he called his soul mate, his wife in Singapore for advice.
“My wife knew that I was in a huge dilemma. Basically, her advice to me was simple, but it really hit me hard in the head as she reminded me how much I wanted to play for a coach who knows how to appreciate and want me in his team. She is very right and immediately I knew my final decision,” said Zulfahmi.
Apart from his wife’s advice, coach Dennis’ detailed explanation on the club vision, target and Zulfahmi’s role in the team further convinced Zulfahmi that Sukhothai FC is the team he should be joining. Thereafter, Zulfahmi’s Thai agent got in touched with the club and settled the necessary before the closing of the Thai League transfer window.
Although this is going to be Zulfahmi’s fourth season in probably one of the best, if not the best football leagues in Southeast Asia, he is turning 30 year old on 5 October. Hitting the big three now and what does he think of that?
“Honestly, most footballers, especially in Southeast Asia, starts peaking in the late twenties. I might be 30 now but look around us, just to name a few, Baihakki (Khaizan) and Shahril (Ishak) all had one of their best footballing times when they were 29, 30 or so. BG Pathum United’s Teerasil Dangda even signed for J.League’s Shimizu S-Pulse at the age of 32,” said Zulfahmi.
“And if I may add, I always feel that age is something which we should not be too overly concerned with. It does not matter if you’re 38 year old or 17 year old, if you can perform, if you can do better than others who are in your position, you should be playing and not being penalised for your age.”
Sukhothai FC is currently third in the 18-teams’ Thai League-2 with 13 points. Leading the pack is Trat FC with 16 points and Phrae United FC with 14 points.
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