In a Facebook post, San Martin said Malaysians had shown “love, compassion, and support” which has provided his family with a lifeline.

However, Kedah Darul Aman FC had not contacted him to resolve the matter “despite everything that has happened”, he said. “I continue to wait and pray that we can settle this matter professionally and respectfully soon.”

On March 31, San Martin said he had not been paid since Jan 10 when he received “a fraction” of his salary.

San Martin said the arrears stem from a contract he signed in November 2025, adding that Kedah Darul Aman FC also owes him several months’ wages under a previous deal signed a year earlier.

Appointed technical director in 2024, his role was reportedly offered to former Portugal international Joao Tomas in April last year.

The Chilean said he was struggling to make ends meet, with his family left unable to afford rent and other basic necessities.

Tonight, San Martin said he was “completely overwhelmed and surprised” by the response from fans all over Malaysia.

“Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Your generous financial support has given us a true lifeline. Because of you, my family can survive, and words cannot express how much that means to us.”

San Martin also dismissed news reports that he needed the money to return to Chile, saying his greatest dream “is to stay right here”.

“My goal is to overcome these hurdles, find a job, and stay here forever with my family to continue contributing my life and passion to Malaysian football.”

San Martin played for Kedah from 2006 to 2008, and again in 2013, and was part of the Kedah squad that achieved the historic “double treble” in 2007 and 2008, winning the Malaysian Super League, Malaysia Cup, and FA Cup in consecutive seasons.