Maarten Paes, a promising Dutch-Indonesian goalkeeper, has expressed his interest in playing for the Indonesian national team. The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who currently plays for FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, has shown great potential and has caught the attention of many football enthusiasts.
Paes, who was born to a Dutch father and an Indonesian mother, recently reached out to the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) expressing his desire to represent the country of his maternal heritage. His decision has garnered positive reactions from both fans and officials alike.
Erick Thohir, the chairman of PSSI, has welcomed Paes’ interest and expressed his support for the young goalkeeper. Thohir, a prominent Indonesian businessman and sports enthusiast, took to social media to encourage Paes and wish him luck in his pursuit of joining the national team. He wrote, “Maarten Paes OTW (On The Way) login ke Timnas Indonesia! Doakan lancar ya! (Maarten Paes on the way to joining the Indonesian national team! Let’s pray for a smooth journey!)”
Thohir’s support for Paes is not surprising, as he has been actively involved in promoting Indonesian football and has a vision of strengthening the national team. Thohir, who also owns Italian club Inter Milan, has been instrumental in bringing in foreign-born players of Indonesian descent to represent the national team. He believes that these players can bring their expertise and experience to elevate the standards of Indonesian football.
Paes’ interest in playing for Indonesia is not solely driven by his heritage but also by his admiration for the country. In an interview, he mentioned his fondness for Indonesian culture and his desire to contribute to the development of Indonesian football. He also expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside talented players in the national team.
Paes’ potential inclusion in the national team has sparked discussions among football fans and experts. Many believe that his addition would strengthen the team’s goalkeeping department, which has often been a weak point in recent years. With his towering height, excellent reflexes, and superb command of the box, Paes could prove to be a valuable asset for Indonesia.
However, Paes’ journey towards representing Indonesia is not without challenges. The bureaucratic process of obtaining Indonesian citizenship and securing the necessary clearances may pose obstacles along the way. Nevertheless, both Paes and Thohir remain optimistic about the possibilities.
If everything goes according to plan, Maarten Paes could soon be wearing the Indonesian national team jersey, making him one of the latest foreign-born players to don the Garuda emblem. His inclusion would not only bolster the team’s abilities but also serve as an inspiration for young players in the country.
As fans eagerly await updates on Maarten Paes’ journey towards joining the national team, one thing is for certain – his commitment and passion for Indonesian football are unwavering. With the full support of Erick Thohir and the Indonesian football community, the talented goalkeeper may soon have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage and help elevate the country’s footballing standards.
