KUALA LUMPUR: Bergson da Silva is ready to become a naturalised player for Harimau Malaya, declaring his love for Malaysia, its people, and its iconic nasi lemak — albeit without "sambal".
"My favourite Malaysian food? Nasi lemak. It's truly Malaysian, though I enjoy it without the 'sambal'," said Da Silva after JDT's 2-1 Malaysia Cup win over KL City on Friday.
The Brazilian striker, who has been with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) since 2021, revealed his excitement at the prospect of representing Malaysia, calling it a "great motivation."
"Since the first day I arrived, I've been treated so well, and that's made me feel at home. So yes, let's do it!" he said.
Da Silva's comments come after JDT owner and former FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim suggested he could spearhead a "rebranding" of the national team. This vision, expected to be announced this week, has sparked speculation about the naturalisation of the prolific forward.
The 33-year-old has been a standout performer since joining JDT on loan from Brazilian club Fortaleza in March 2021 before signing permanently four months later.
By March 2025, Da Silva will have been in Malaysia for four years, meeting FIFA's eligibility criteria for naturalisation.
Under proposed FIFA regulations, the residency requirement could soon be reduced from five to four years, meaning Da Silva could don the Harimau Malaya jersey in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in March.
For Malaysian football fans, the prospect of seeing Da Silva represent the country is exciting.
He has recorded 130 goals and 26 assists in 122 appearances for JDT. This season alone, he has netted 20 Super League goals, including four hat-tricks, plus seven more across the FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and Asian Champions League Elite.
"When I first came here, I never imagined this possibility. But now, it's an opportunity I'm proud of because I'm truly happy in Malaysia, both at the club and in my personal life," said Da Silva.
"If naturalisation becomes a reality, I would embrace it with all my love and commitment.
"I'm ready to give my best, and I trust the boss (Tunku Ismail) will guide me in the right direction, for the club, and for Harimau Malaya. Anything is possible."
JDT coach Hector Bidoglio agrees that Da Silva's naturalisation would be a game-changer for Harimau Malaya.
"Da Silva is an excellent player. He could definitely improve the national team with his skills. I'm sure he would be a valuable asset to Harimau Malaya, and he's capable of excelling at the international level.
Malaysia have had many naturalised players donning national colours over the years.
Among those in the squad for the ongoing Asean Cup are Endrick dos Santos, Paulo Josue, Sergio Aguero, Fergus Tierney, Darren Lok, Stuart Wilkin, Daniel Ting, Dominic Tan and Declan Lambert.