Coach, players speak out against Nazmis return

Ong clearly disappointed with the actions of Nazmi together with his agent, Marco Guimaraes.

He said Nazmi was not making a wise move.

He also said that it was as if Nazmi and his agent has bypassed Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), but expressed that FAM's hands were tied.

“Either they think it was best to return or there is problems in Beira Mar, we cannot do anything because we know Nazmi now has an agent and we cannot take action against him as we please,” he said.

“What FAM can do now is just to assist but if they decide to return, that is their right.”

“But for me it is a waste,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Harimau Muda player Ariff Farhan Mat Isa voiced disappointment with Nazmi for throwing away a chance to be part of the Europe league, which would likely improve the abilities of any player.

“It should not have happened lah, because he was given this chance to play in a Portugal league, he shouldn’t ignore that” he said.

“..., he is already on another level, there is no need for him to return to Malaysia,” he said.

The talented 18-year-old midfielder made headlines when he signed a three year deal with the Portuguese club last May.

The shocking return on Thursday and subsequent signing with PKNS Selangor has also been condemned by national striker Safee Sali, who likened it to a “step backwards”.

“In my opinion, it is a bad career move,” said Safee, who advised the young player to think about his future.