Faisal also asked for everyone’s prayers as he eagerly anticipates returning to play with the national team.

“I’m sad because I can’t be with the team. I’ve been here (national training camp) many times over the years. This is where I fight for the national team with my teammates and coaches, but today, I’m here as a guest, watching my friends train.

“I feel like it won’t be long before I return. I hope everyone prays for me, and I can’t wait to come back,” he said at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya here today.

Faisal, who is fondly called “Mickey”, made a surprise visit at the Harimau Malaya training session ahead of the 2024 Merdeka Tournament next month.

He was welcomed by FAM president Hamidin Amin and his two deputies – Yusoff Mahadi and S Sivasundaram – and Harimau Malaya head coach Pau Marti Vicente.

He was seen shaking hands and catching up with the players before posing for a commemorative photo during his first visit there since the incident in which he was splashed with acid.

“I came today because Datuk (Hamidin) called me yesterday to come and support my friends. I miss this moment too. I met coach Pau last week, and he told me, ‘I’m not pushing you to join the team, but if you’re ready, for sure I will call you.’

“Coach Pau has given me space to regain my performance. Of course, as a player, I will help the coach in the upcoming tournaments. I’ve been with Coach Pau for almost two years, so I know exactly what he wants, and when I’m ready, I will give my best for the team, the coach and FAM,” he said.

On May 5, Faisal suffered fourth degree burns on several parts of his body after being doused with acid by an unknown individual at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya and had to be treated in the intensive care unit for about 10 days.

He made his first appearance for Selangor after the incident on June 16 in a match against Negeri Sembilan FC during the FA Cup campaign and recently played in the first 45 minutes of the 2024 Sultan of Selangor’s Cup match between Selangor and Singapore.