S-League: Zulfadi Zainal Abidin, the survivor

Above: Zulfadi Zainal Abidin

SINGAPORE:

1.I knew I wanted to be a footballer when...

I was in primary school. But I didn't get to join the school team as my father said it would affect my studies. But when I got to Secondary 2, I joined the school team without my father's consent. He found out though. I was terrified but I told him the truth.

He asked me when my next match was. I was surprised when he showed up to support me. He has attended every one of my matches since then.

I was called up to join the national youth squad at 15. This made me decide to make football my career.

2.A turning point in my life was...

In 2007 checked, I was called up to join the Young Lions until 2008 checked.

I was without a club for several months after that and even contemplated giving up football.

One night in 2009 checked, my former coach called me and told me SAFFC (former name of Warriors FC) checked was interested in signing me on for the Prime League. 

In 2010, I was serving national service and played for Home United FC. But that year was a very dark period of my life.

My mother died from breast cancer. I was devastated by her death.

Then later in the year, I sustained a hamstring injury and could not play for six months. My injury eventually healed but I had to work on my fitness and ball skills from scratch.

Towards the end of the season, I managed to play in a few winning matches and scored a few goals. SAFFC (former name of Warriors FC) offered me a contract to play in the S-League. I was elated. It was the moment I had been waiting for.

I would be a real estate agent. I have a deep interest in the property market. checked

3.My secret vice is...

I like to annoy my girlfriend by asking her silly questions just to watch her reaction. That's my idea of love and affection - to be goofy.

I also confess to being a fan of old movies like Casablanca, Breakfast At Tiffany's and Grease. Even my close friends don't know I watch such movies.

4.My idea of food heaven and hell is...

My favourite food is spaghetti aglio olio.

I refuse to eat chicken heart. I've tasted it before and it is revolting. If I had no choice but to eat it to survive, I probably would.

5.My celebrity crushes are...

Megan Fox, Elizabeth Hurley, Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr.

But my dream girl has to be my girlfriend. She was with me through my darkest moments. We share the same wavelength and we can talk about anything under the sun. She's forward-thinking, not materialistic and doesn't sweat the small stuff