Johor to receive boost from Batistuta
by Dan Guen Chin
04:46 AM Feb 09, 2012
SINGAPORE - Gabriel Batistuta used to send shivers down the spines of defenders and goalkeepers with his powerful play, but the former Argentine international will now be evoking a different sort of feeling in Malaysian Premier League side Johor.

Batistuta's presence alone will certainly help lift the spirit of the team, who have recently engaged Singapore footballing legend Fandi Ahmad as team manager and technical adviser, and Fandi warmly spoke of the intentions of the team's benefactor, the Crown Prince of Johor, telling Today: "I was told by the Crown Prince on the impending arrival of Batistuta yesterday morning after our match against Pahang in Termerloh on Tuesday night.

"Tuanku (the Crown Prince) told me that he has managed to convince him (Batistuta) to come to Johor to help us out and asked me to work alongside him together with coach K Sukumaran.

"I don't know what specific role Batistuta will be playing but with a footballer of such reputation I am sure he knows his stuff and I am sure his presence will benefit us."

Batistuta is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 56 goals from 78 international matches, including appearances at three World Cups and two Copa America tournaments.

He made a name for himself with Fiorentina in Italy's Serie A football league, staying put with the club even after they were relegated and helping them to gain promotion.

Batistuta became such a revered figure that the city of Florence even erected a life-size statue of him in 1996.

He later retired from football after stints with Roma and Qatari side Al Arabi.

Batistuta's move to Johor was made possible by the fact that he is now taking up polo, a sport that the Crown Prince of Johor plays as well.

"Bringing Batistuta to Johor is the Crown Prince's way of doing what is best for Johor football. There is no denying he wants to see the team do well and he will do anything within his means to help the team get there," added Fandi.

The Johor team, playing in the second tier of the M-League, are also on the verge of signing two Brazilians, Pedro Ceasar and Francisco Da Silva, to bolster their squad.



STIMULANT!!!