BANGKOK: After Malaysia’s 4-1 win over Laos, midfielder Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba was ruled out for the remainder of the SEA Games due to a hamstring injury.

He could have returned home to begin his recovery and rehabilitation.

Instead, the 21-year-old chose to remain in Thailand, standing with his teammates even when he was on crutches.

Being the team’s unofficial cheerleader proved worthwhile.

The Harimau Muda’s journey in Bangkok ultimately ended on a high note when Malaysia clinched bronze with a 2-1 victory over the Philippines at the Rajamangala Stadium on Dec 18.

Even on crutches, Haziq was among the first to embrace his teammates after the final whistle.

He even donned the full team kit, a moment reminiscent of John Terry’s famous full-kit celebration after Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph despite being suspended for the final.

“One of the reasons I wanted to stay was to be with the team, to feel like I was still part of them and to experience the SEA Games atmosphere, even though I couldn’t play,” said Haziq.

“At the beginning, I was very emotional. But over time, this injury made me realise many things.