Malaysian footballer Mohd Faiz Subri, who is in contention for 2016 Fifa Puskas Award, said he had always idolised Cristiano Ronaldo, who is eyeing the top honour at The Best Fifa Football Awards on Monday.
Faiz Subri left for Zurich along with his wife and two sons from Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday. He will be among the only three Asian players who have been nominated for the Puskas Award, which recognises the best goal of the year, since its inception in 2009. Notably, the Malaysia Super League star is the first from the continent to make the final three nominees.
It was the Penang star's stunning free kick during a Super League match last February against Pahang that earned him the nomination for the prestigious award. He will be competing with Brazil's Marlone and Venezuela's woman star Daniuska Rodriguez on Monday.
Watch the goals in contention below
Also read: Best Fifa Football Awards 2016 - Live streaming, TV channel information
Faiz Subri revealed he is a bit tense ahead of the big awards night but maintained that making it to the top-three was an achievement in itself. He added that he will not miss an opportunity to grab a photograph with Ronaldo in Zurich.
"I have always idolised Ronaldo. So if I get to meet him, I willl definitely take a selfie with him," Faiz Subri said, as quoted by The Star.
"I am going through a roller coaster of emotions. I'm a bit scared, thrilled and delighted that I will to be there. There's pressure too, but I'll try to stay calm. As I said before, making the top three finalists is an achievement itself for me."
Will Faiz Subri clinch glory on the big night? Check out these goals.
