KUALA LUMPUR – National football forward Arif Aiman Hanapi has fired back at claims that he has grown too comfortable playing domestically, insisting critics have no understanding of the sacrifices and hardships behind his success.
The 24-year-old Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) star was responding to comments on social media suggesting he has chosen not to pursue a move abroad because he enjoys a comfortable life in the Malaysia League (M-League).
The four-time consecutive M-League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) dismissed the accusations, saying those making such assumptions have no idea about the challenges, pressure and sacrifices he has endured to establish himself as one of the country’s leading footballers.
“First of all, how do you know I’m comfortable and under no pressure here? You don’t know the struggles and sacrifices I had to make to reach this level.
“Don’t make assumptions as though you know me. It hasn’t been easy for me to get to where I am today.
“Think before you say something because you don’t know what I’ve been through. Climbing from where I started to where I am now has been incredibly difficult, with many challenges that people simply don’t see,” he wrote on Threads.
The response came after a social media user questioned why no overseas clubs — particularly from countries such as Slovakia or Japan — had made an approach for the Malaysian international, arguing that in the modern era, player data is readily accessible to clubs around the world.
The post sparked further debate, with some users claiming Arif Aiman was content to remain in the M-League because of his lucrative salary and the perception that the domestic competition carries less pressure than playing overseas.
However, previous reports have linked the JDT winger with interest from clubs in Iran, Cyprus and South Korea, reflecting his growing reputation as one of Malaysia’s brightest football talents. – July 5, 2026