Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry has expressed its support to Egy Maulana Vikri, a top player of Indonesia`s under-19s national soccer team (Timnas U-19) to become a professional player in Europe.

"We will support Egy`s ambition to play in Europe and other part of the world. We make room for him to choose which club and country are appropriate," the Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Imam Nahrawi said.

The minister made the statement in a gathering with the players of Timnas U-19 here on Friday.

Egy (17) is currently studying in the Sports Vocational Schools (SKO) in Ragunan, Jakarta.

"Egy of course has consideration to choose a certain football club and country in Europe, such as the aspects of psychology and language. He still has one to two months to decide the club and the country (to play with)," the minister explained.

Nahrawi, however, reminded Egy to be ready to strengthen the national football team if the country needs him, despite the minister`s support against Egy.

"Playing everywhere is a citizen`s right, but if the national team needs him, including in the 18th Asian Games games, Egy must go home and strengthen the national team," the minister noted.

In addition to Egy, the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry will also support other young players to play abroad in a bid to get additional experience and technical capability to play.

Meanwhile, Edy said that he has yet decided which club (abroad) he want to play with.

"I just follow the process while in Europe later. I still have to wait for one to two months," said Egy, who has been improving his ability to speak English in order to support his ideals.

Reported by Imam Santoso
(B003/H-YH)

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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