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A Malaysian international football player was in May severely injured in an acid attack and became emotional as he expressed his determination to return to the sport in "one to two months".
Faisal Halim, a winger for Selangor FC, suffered fourth-degree burns on his neck, shoulder, hands, and chest during the attack at a shopping centre near Kuala Lumpur.
After spending three weeks in the hospital and undergoing multiple surgeries for his burns, the 26-year-old, known as "Mickey", spoke to reporters for the first time.
He tearfully stated his hope to be back on the field within one to two months, despite doctors advising that it could take up to six months for recovery.
Faisal also mentioned his willingness to resume training once he receives medical clearance.
He appeared visibly scarred and underweight, with slower physical movements, as he was accompanied by a team of bodyguards at the press conference.
Despite being kept in a secret location with his family, Faisal expressed his desire to no longer live in hiding. Although two individuals were arrested in connection with the attack, they were later released without charges, and the motive behind the assault remains unclear.
Faisal's case was the most serious among a series of crimes targeting four prominent Malaysian footballers in May, although these incidents are not believed to be connected.
Faisal, a respected Malaysian international player known for his memorable goal against South Korea earlier in the year, expressed his longing to return to the sport.
The domestic football season in Malaysia was set to commence on May 10, but Faisal's team, Selangor, withdrew from the opening match due to "a series of criminal incidents and recent threats."
Despite this, the league proceeded with heightened security measures the following day
