KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) veteran Natxo Insa is hoping to sign off his time at the club on a high with one final trophy, as he prepares for what could be his last appearance in the Malaysia Cup final against Sri Pahang FC tomorrow.
The 39-year-old Spaniard, who joined JDT in 2017 from La Liga outfit Levante, is nearing the end of his contract and has yet to be approached for a renewal by the Southern Tigers.
Insa has made 123 appearances for JDT across eight seasons, winning 16 major honours with the club. With his future uncertain, the midfielder is determined to give everything in what could be his swansong.
“I don’t know if I’ll be playing next season as my contract is coming to an end. But as long as I’m here, I’ll give my all — just like I’ve done every season,” he said during the pre-match press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.
“If this is my last game for JDT, I want to make the most of it by lifting the Malaysia Cup one more time with this club.
“As long as I’m fit and the head coach (Hector Bidoglio) still trusts me, I’ll always be ready to contribute. Even if I’m not needed on the pitch, I want to leave a legacy before I retire or explore other options.”
Insa also praised opponents Sri Pahang, acknowledging their pedigree in Malaysia Cup history.
The Elephants — who finished eighth in the Super League this season — have lifted the trophy four times — in 1983, 1992, 2013, and 2014 — and will be making their first final appearance since their 2014 victory over JDT.
“Finals are always different, and Pahang have proven themselves in this competition.
“But we believe we have a responsibility, and we need to be fully focused on the task.
“We fully respect every opponent we face, but it would be great for us to end our season on a high by winning this trophy,” Insa added.
The Spanish-born Malaysian international has continued to play a key role for JDT this season.
In the recently concluded Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) group stage, Insa topped the competition for total completed passes — 531 in eight matches — ahead of Yokohama F. Marinos’ Takumi Kamijima (526) and Al Nassr’s Marcelo Brozovic (524).
JDT booked their place in the final with a 6-1 aggregate victory in the semi-finals, while Sri Pahang edged through 3-2 on aggregate after holding Sabah to a 1-1 draw in the second leg. — April 25, 2025