In his first public appearance since the horrific incident, the Selangor FC winger said he was even prepared to forgo his lucrative salary as he feared for his safety.

“I told my wife and family that I did not care if I lost my salary. I would rather live peacefully in my ‘kampung’ and be paid RM50 a day as long as they are safe and are not living in fear.

“I cannot accept my family living in fear,” a teary-eyed Faisal said at a press conference here.

But the Penangite, who is fondly known as “Mickey”, said he decided against retiring from football following the moral support he received from the club, family, friends and the public.

Faisal admitted that he missed playing football, adding it was not easy watching live telecasts of games played by Selangor and Harimau Malaya while recuperating at home.

“But now I need to focus on my recovery,” he said, adding that he was uncertain when he would be fit to play again.

Faisal was discharged from hospital on May 25 after undergoing four surgeries to treat his fourth-degree burns.

Faisal also insisted he did not have enemies or knew anyone who wanted to harm him.

He said he was friendly with everyone and would entertain their requests.

“But maybe after this I will be more ‘aloof’ as it would be best for me (security wise).”

The acid attack on Faisal garnered international attention, with German football giants Borussia Dortmund expressing solidarity with Faisal. Manchester United players also told the Harimau Malaya star to “stay strong” and “keep fighting”.

Police are investigating whether the acid attack on Faisal is linked to crimes committed against three other footballers, all of which happened in the span of one month.

The authorities have also released a photofit of the suspected attacker.

Faisal, 26, whose equaliser against South Korea was voted as the best goal of the 2023 Asian Cup, could be back in action as early as August.