SHAH ALAM: National football star Faisal Halim was a picture of sadness today in his first public appearance since the horrific acid attack on him by an unknown assailant on May 5.
The 26-year-old's eyes have lost their usual sparkle as he faced the media at Selangor FC's training centre at Padang Suk in Shah Alam.
There were still scars on the left side of his face, left arm and left side of his body from fourth-degree burn.
Faisal's mobility seemed to be affected, and he even had difficulty putting on his glasses.
Faisal also seemed traumatised by the heinous attack, and he hopes that the assailants will be caught.
The Selangor winger said he had thought about retiring as he feared for his life and his family.
However, Faisal said he decided to go public as he doesn't want to live in hiding.
"I was born to be a footballer, it's hard for me and my family to accept that I cannot be on the pitch," said Faisal at a special press conference.
"I don't know when I can return to football.
"I have started to train at home... I felt that how long do I have to hide from the public? I want to live like a normal person.
"I felt fear, I'm willing to not get thousands of ringgit in wages, I wanted to go back to my village and willing to work for RM50 or RM100 a day as long as my family and I are safe.
"In my entire life I have been nice to everyone. I have never been unfriendly to anyone, so I never expected that I would be in this situation."
Faisal, who underwent four surgeries following the attack, said: "If possible, I don't want to talk about it (the acid attack) anymore. At that time, I thought it was just a minor injury, but as time went on, there was pain."
Faisal admitted that he misses football greatly, especially seeing his teammates play for the national team and Selangor.
"I really miss football and want to play and train. I must focus on recovery and rehabilitation. I will wait for the doctor to give permission to play. I will work hard to get the chance to play again," said Faisal.