KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), whose ambition is to be an Asian power, have been working on strengthening their team. And the latest top player likely to join them is former Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez.
According to Spanish sports newspaper, Marca, the 31-year-old, who used to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at the Spanish giants, has decided to play for the Southern Tigers.
With Real Madrid, Spaniard Rodriguez has won the Champions League titles (twice), La Liga crown (once), Fifa Club World Cup (once) and Copa del Rey (once).
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Rodriguez had also turned out for major clubs like Paris St Germain, Sampdoria, Stoke City and Real Betis. His last team were Brazilian side Coritiba.
"Jese has been training on his own to stay in shape and be ready to return to football," said the Marca report.
JDT have now emerged as a formidable side in the Asian Champions League Elite following their 3-0 thrashing of Shanghai Shenhua earlier this week at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and the 2-2 draw with Chinese champions Shanghai Port in Shanghai last month.
JDT are expected to make an announcement on Rodriguez's move to Johor Baru soon.