Football
Gabriel Tan 7y

Singapore captain Shahril Ishak returns to S.League with Warriors FC

Warriors FC have secured a major coup ahead of the new S.League season after completing the signing of Singapore captain Shahril Ishak.

Shahril, the joint most-capped player in Singapore's history with 132 international appearances, put pen to paper on a one-year deal on Monday evening to complete his return to the S.League after a seven-year absence.

After winning the competition's Player of the Year award with Home United in 2010, he had spells in Indonesia with Persib Bandung and Medan Chiefs. He then captained the now-defunct LionsXII in the Malaysia Super League for two seasons before spending the past three years with Johor Darul Ta'zim II.

But, following the conclusion of his deal with the Malaysian side, there was plenty of speculation that Shahril could be headed home and his return has now been confirmed.

"It feels great, to be honest," the 32-year-old to ESPN FC.

"It's been a long journey for me, having been abroad for six to seven years, and now to be back with Warriors.

"I think it's a good opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it."

Shahril will be joined at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium by fellow stalwart Baihakki Khaizan, who also signed for the club on Monday evening.

Bismillah.. Hello 2017.. I'm proud to announce my return to the S-League. I've agreed the terms and officially signed with Warriors FC. Looking forward for a fruitful season.. #warriorsfc #sleague #localfootball #baihakkifamily

A photo posted by Baihakki Khaizan (@baihakki06) on

The addition of the star duo, along with the Warriors retaining a host of established names from 2016, means they are now shaping us as genuine threats this season.

With nine S.League crowns to their name, Warriors are the most successful club in Singapore football history, but they have had to endure disappointing times in the past two seasons after last winning the title in 2014 when Hassan Sunny was named player of the season.

They narrowly sneaked into the top half of the table two years ago before finishing seventh out of nine teams last term, and Shahril is looking forward to playing his part in helping them reach the summit once more.

"For me, I feel pride at whichever club I'm playing at, but especially at Warriors, a club with so much history," explained the silky-skilled forward.

"They've won the league nine times before and I'm here to help achieve the 10th title.

"I believe every player is motivated by winning championships and that's what we want to do here."

Shahril had his first training session with Warriors at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Tuesday, and immediately looked right at home in his new surroundings.

And having been reunited with several former team-mates including Ridhuan Muhamad, Hafiz Osman and Shaiful Esah, Shahril is hoping that they can rediscover their winning combination together.

"Of course, it helps to have so many familiar faces, including coach Razif [Onn], who's been there for me since I was a little boy," he added.

"This is also the club where I started my youth career at U12 and U14 level, until I graduated to the NFA [National Football Academy].

"It means so much to me to be back and I really think we have a decent team.

"Now, we're just looking forward to being ready for the new season."

Apart from Shahril and Baihakki, Canadian winger Jordan Webb is another notable new face this year after joining from Tampines Rovers, while the club are believed to be close to securing the services of a Croatian striker as their third foreign signing.

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