Azkals midfielder joins Indon club

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Azkals midfielder Jason de Jong has signed up with the Persiba Balikpapan FC in the Indonesian Super League.

“Contract is signed in Balikpapan, Indonesia,” the Fil-Dutch ace himself posted on his Facebook account yesterday, ending speculations on his stint in the ISL.

De Jong clarified reports that he was merely on trial with Persiba, saying he trained with the club the other day as part of the medical check preceding his contract signing.

“Guys for one last time, no trial! I signed with Persiba Balikpapan today (yesterday)! Yesterday (Monday) I trained with them cause it was a medical check!” he explained.

The 20-year-old De Jong was earlier reported to be joining a different ISL side, Sriwijaya FC, but he maintained that negotiations with the club fell through.

“What happened in Sriwijaya had to do with that we not agreed on the terms of the contract so that’s why they took the Korean player!” he said to douse swirling talks that he failed to pass his trials with Sriwijaya.

But while De Jong, former KV Tournhout player in the Belgian League, will now be based in regional rival Indonesia, he said he would still make himself available for the Phl Azkals.

Under club contracts, the team releases players when the national team requires their services, much like what Fulham FC does when goalkeeper Neil Etheridge gets a call-up from the Philippines.