KUALA LUMPUR: Kim Pan Gon's relationship with Malaysian football will continue despite resigning as Harimau Malaya coach on Tuesday.
In a press conference at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya, the South Korean coach said he considers himself "half-Malaysian" and will continue to be proud of Malaysia's achievements in the future.
"Maybe when I wake up tomorrow morning, I will regret this decision, but this is a new journey for me and Malaysian football," Pan Gon said on Tuesday.
"I hope everyone understands and stays positive because this is not the end.
"My love remains here because I am only leaving my position as head coach of Malaysia. My relationship with Malaysian football will not end, and I will continue to support Malaysian football.
"Maybe I will contribute in other ways. I cannot leave this because I have built my legacy here. Maybe I will return to Hong Kong and come back here next week as a friend or supporter of football," he said.
Earlier, Pan Gon confirmed that he had resigned from his position due to personal commitments.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that Pan Gon's assistant, Pau Marti Vicente, will now oversee the national team as acting head coach.
Pan Gon revealed he had contemplated the decision after the World Cup qualifier against Taiwan last month.
The 55-year-old also vowed to guide the team in the Asian Cup qualifiers next year. However, he decided to move on despite his contract only ending in December 2025.
Pressed on his sudden decision to resign, Pan Gon declined to reveal details.
"The claim that I wanted to resign in March was false. However, I told the media that I wanted to stay longer here after the match against Taiwan," he said.
"However, after that, I began thinking about my status as head coach. After several meetings and discussions with FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin, he accepted my decision.
"My reason is only known to the FAM president, and I shouldn't disclose it to the public. I hope everyone stays positive with my decision."
Pan Gon replaced Tan Cheng Hoe as head coach in 2022, and he made an immediate impact by guiding the national team to their first Asian Cup appearance on merit in 43 years.
During the tournament in Doha, Malaysia achieved a memorable 3-3 draw against a Son Heung-min-led South Korea but did not progress beyond the group stage in January.
During his tenure, Harimau Malaya reached their highest world ranking in 18 years, peaking at No. 130 and recording 19 wins, seven draws and nine losses from 35 matches.