Aimar ready for hard work ahead

JOHOR BARU — Even as his career reaches its twilight, Pablo Aimar can still take his football skills anywhere — Japan, the Middle East and the lower reaches of the European league — but he has chosen to ply his trade in Malaysia, a country ranked 161st in world football.

The 33-year-old Argentinian has dazzled on the biggest stages with such renowned clubs as River Plate in his native country, Valencia and Real Zaragoza in the Spanish Primera Liga, Benfica in Portugal, and two FIFA World Cups.

Last Saturday, he was formally unveiled by Johor Darul Takzim (Johor DT) as their signing for the 2014 Malaysian Super League season, a commitment Aimar says was driven by the desire to help Johor football.

Speaking at a press conference in Johor Baru, Aimar said although playing in Europe and possibly Japan did cross his mind, he was swayed by the vision of Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor and president of the Johor Football Association, when they met to discuss the possibility of a move to Johor DT.

“I like what the Crown Prince has outlined for Johor football. He told me about his plans to develop Johor football and how I can help him achieve it,” said Aimar through an interpreter.

“There are two academies in the making in Johor in the near future. I will play a role there apart from my commitment in the league. The Crown Prince wants me to teach the youngsters the values needed to become a successful professional footballer.

“He wants me to be involved in youth development. I am impressed and I share his vision, too. That’s why I am here.”

While no official figures were mentioned, Tunku Ismail acknowledged that Aimar, by his reckoning, will be the most expensive player in the 2014 Malaysian League (M-League) season. Sources say he will be paid US$2.4 million (S$3 million) a season on an initial two-year contract, with the option of another three.

Aimar, whose last club was Benfica, where he made 179 appearances, is not contemplating hanging up his boots.

“I have no time to think about retirement, not yet,” he said. “I see some busy period ahead with Johor and I have plenty of work to do.”

He is also looking forward to renewing ties with new Johor DT coach Cesar Ferrando Jimenez, whom Aimar got to know during his days at Valencia.

“Cesar wasn’t the coach when I was playing for Valencia but he helped out in some coaching work there with the youth team,” said Aimar, who also recalled playing in Johor Baru back in 1997 as a member of the Argentina Under-20 team.

It was at Larkin Stadium, home ground of Johor DT, where Argentina beat England 2-1 in a Round of 16 match en route to making the final of the FIFA Youth World Championship. They would then beat Uruguay at the Shah Alam Stadium to lift the trophy.

“Malaysia and Johor Baru hold happy memories for me. I am glad to be back here. I remember we had a wonderful time during the 1997 World Youth Championship,” said Aimar.

The Argentinian knows he is not in for an easy ride playing in the M-League, even for a player of his pedigree and reputation.

“I have seen an M-League match live before. It was the LionsXII vs Johor DT team at the Jalan Besar Stadium in June,” he said.

“The passion for football here is high and the match was a very competitive one. I have to be prepared for some hard work ahead.”