Nazmi hopes to return to Harimau Muda

By Khidhir Kassim, FOX Sports

The 19-year-old midfielder returned from a stint with Beira-Mar after becoming the first Malaysian to be signed by a Portuguese club back in 2012.

The Malaysian teen sensation opened his Portugal account with a goal while representing the youth team and was expected to break into the senior team.

However, Nazmi surprised many observers when he was photographed in Kuala Lumpur in late January before subsequently signing a three year deal with Malaysian Super League Club PKNS.

Malaysian star striker Safee Sali said the move back "was a step backwards" while Ong, who was not informed until Nazmi's unveiling by PKNS, also expressed his disappointment.

Nonetheless the player once hailed as the pride of Malaysian football has stated his intent to help the national Under-23 team defend their SEA Games gold medal at the end of the year.

"I still want to help Harimau Muda in the upcoming SEA Games." said Nazmi to reporters after a PKNS training session.

"If I was given a chance, I will give my all.

"I'm confident I will be focused if I return back to training with the boys."

When contacted, Ong was clear in his stance: "Nazmi was a role model for many and while we were let down by his decision to come back, he will be given a fair chance.

"However since he has signed for PKNS, he will be treated as a player of that club and his selection will depend on his performance with them."

Nazmi is currently training with the PKNS senior team while playing competitively for the youth team, and will be registered for the senior side when the transfer window opens in April.

Harimau Muda will play a friendly against the Myanmar national team on February 22 before flying to Slovakia for a five-month stint in March.