REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- FC Twente defender Mees Hilgers admitted that he had wanted to defend the Indonesian national team for a very long time before he met and shook hands with the Chairman of the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir on Friday (6/9/2024). Hilgers said the offer to defend the Red Whites had come while he was still defending Twente U-19, which he has been defending since July 2018 at the age of 17.

“I have wanted to do this for a long time, but circumstances do not allow it. I am very busy with Twente. So I don't think too much about the national team,” said the defender, who chose Indonesian blood from his mother from Manado, North Sulawesi, via YouTube FC Twente, quoted Saturday (7/9/2024).

Hilgers said interest in defending the Red Whites grew after he had one cap with the Netherlands U-21s. His one cap came in September 2022 when he appeared 45 minutes in a test match that ended in a 2-1 win against Belgium U-21.

He then directly contacted Fardy Bachdim, who had been his agent at the time, to express his wishes. “I first played for the Dutch junior team, but the longer I got interested in Indonesia. I started thinking “Why not? Why don't I play for the Indonesian team? ,” explained the 23-year-old defender.

“I just sent a message that I want to join the Indonesian team. They are very happy. They didn't expect me to contact them at all,” he added.

'So that's how the process is. In about four days, all the paperwork was completed,” he continued.

The decision to defend Indonesia was made by Hilgers very easily. He said his Indonesian family living in Amersfoot influenced his decision a lot.

“I have a very large family. Nine aunts and uncles, if you're not mistaken. Also there are my parents and grandparents. I told you earlier that I am from Amersfoort, the Netherlands where my Indonesian family lives.”