KUALA LUMPUR: Striker Guilherme de Paula is willing to forgo personal glory in a bid to save Kuala Lumpur from relegation.
The Brazilian needs just three more goals to overtake Fandi Ahmad’s record of 67 goals for the City side.
But that’s the furthest thing from his mind as he wants to help KL win all their seven remaining matches to ensure Super League survival.
“I have been here for three years and I have almost met my target after scoring 65 goals, just three short of making history with the team,” said De Paula yesterday.
“But I don’t want to focus on that, not when we are in the relegation zone.
“We have seven matches left, so I’d like to take it one match at a time. As for the goal target, I know I’ll achieve it if I maintain my performance.”
The 32-year-old has scored seven goals thus far, including a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Perak SEDC in their last Super League match on May 26.
KL will resume their Super League season by taking on Selangor in a Klang Valley derby at Shah Alam Stadium today, and coach Chong Yee Fatt admits that De Paula’s return from an early season injury has boosted the team’s fortunes.
“We have been in a positive mood since De Paula returned from his injury three months ago as he not only scores, but also creates chances for his teammates,” said Yee Fatt.
“He came back at the right time and I hope we can beat Selangor. We can’t afford to drop any more points if we want to pull away from the relegation zone.”