KUALA LUMPUR: "I promised the team I would return, and now I'm here."
These were the words of Faisal Halim after he played his first match for Selangor since the horrifying acid attack on him on May 5.
Winger Faisal, wearing a protective face mask, played as a substitute in the final 10 minutes of the Super League match against Kelantan Darul Naim at MBPJ Stadium yesterday.
It has been a long and painful road to recovery for Faizal as he rebuilds his football career after suffering severe burns to his back, arms, face and ribs after he was splashed with acid by an unknown assailant at a shopping centre in Petaling Jaya.
When Faisal, affectionately known as Mickey to fans, entered the field, the 7,000 spectators greeted him with a roar and a standing ovation. Selangor won 2-0, making it a memorable return for Faisal.
It was a moment of mixed emotions when the 26-year-old Faisal spoke to the media. "Alhamdulillah, even though 10 minutes were quite brief, it holds immense significance for me and the team.
"I'm working on regaining my full fitness, but the pre-match data confirmed I was ready to play," Faisal said, his voice a mix of gratitude and determination.
"I have conflicting emotions of joy and sorrow, but this moment is what I've been waiting for.
"I promised the team I would return, and now I'm here. Alhamdulillah, and I'm eager for more."
Faisal's remarkable return to football is inspiringly, a testament to his fighting spirit and determination to overcome cruel setbacks.