Fan favourite Lee Tuck makes surprise return to Malaysian football

KUALA LUMPUR: In a surprising turn of events, former Malaysian national midfielder Lee Tuck has returned to competitive football by signing with semi-professional side Kelantan City just hours before the Amateur Football League registration window closed, according to veteran football administrator Tan Sri Annuar Musa. The Halifax-born playmaker will join a roster of 33 players for the ambitious Kelantan City team.

However, Sean Selvaraj's registration with the team will only take effect in January to allow him sufficient time to recover from ACL surgery earlier this year. Tuck, 38, had previously walked away from the game in July 2023 after terminating his contract with Kedah Darul Aman, but has since become a real estate investor and international HYROX functional fitness competitor.

Tuck had previously spent six prolific years in Malaysia, leading Terengganu to the 2018 Malaysia Cup final and earning nine caps for Harimau Malaya. His comeback to Malaysian football has sparked debate about his potential recall to the national team, but Tuck would need to first prove his durability, match rhythm, and technical skills in the A1 Semi-Pro League before any immediate call-up is considered.