As the plot thickens for Johor Darul Takzim, El Loco sizes up the possible arrival of former Benfica man Pablo Aimar in the Southern Tigers' camp
HOLA!
Enter Pablo Aimar, also known as 'El Payaso" or "The Clown".
The skilful 33-year-old former Argentina international attacking midfielder is poised to don the Johor Darul Takzim colours next season, according to reports.
And this is welcome news for Darul Takzim supporters.
Aimar, who played in the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, has always been on Johor FA President Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's radar.
And the deal to sign the vastly experienced Aimar seemed to have been settled during his visit to Johor Bahru recently.
This visit was after he left Benfica on June 6 and became a free agent.
Aimar's inclusion promises to be an exciting prospect for Darul Takzim and their supporters despite his age. The only problem though, he is injury-prone.
So let's pray he will be fit during his stint in the M-League as he is a delight to watch via all those offensive skills.
Playing in Malaysia or Johor Bahru is nothing new for Aimar.
The Cordoba-born was part of the Argentina squad who won the Under-20 World Cup in Malaysia in 1997 when they beat Uruguay 2-1 in the final at the Shah Alam Stadium.
The Argentinean, under renowned coach Jose Pekerman, was based in Kangar for the group phase then. And “El Loco” was fortunate to have had the chance to interview those classy Latin Americans for theMalay Mail.
The other big names in the side were Juan Roman Riquelme, Esteban Cambiasso and Walter Samuel.
And yes, Argentina did play at Larkin Stadium as well when they beat England in a last-16 clash.
Guess who scored one of the goals for the Argentina; none other than Aimar with the other by Riquelme from a penalty.
England, with Michael Owen in the team, replied through Jamie Carragher.
Here's a bit of background on Aimar.
The 1.70m-tall Aimar began his career with River Plate in 1997 after rejecting a place in a medical school.
He then joined Spanish club Valencia in 2001 for 12million euros.
Aimar became an instant hero for Los Che when they won the Primera Liga title in the 2001-02 season with some impressive performances.
Valencia won the title again in the 2003-04 season.
Aimar and Valencia also finished runners-up in the Champions League in 2000 after they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the final.
Aimar left the Mestalla for Real Zaragoza in 2006 but his stay was hampered by injuries.
He then left for Benfica in 2008 and was an influential figure for the Portuguese giants until injuries troubled him again.
Looking forward to some of Aimar’s magic in the new season.
Adios!
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