The Recruitment Of Persija's Last Foreign Player Named Oliver Bias, The Philippine National Team Midfielder

Persija's new player, Oliver Bias was introduced by the President of the Team, Mohamad Prapanca in Jakarta on Thursday afternoon 27 July 2023. (Between/Rauf Adipati)

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta officially introduced Oliver Bias as the fifth foreign player signing, in Jakarta on Thursday afternoon.

The club nicknamed the Kemayoran Tigers had previously announced that Bias would be the last signing on the transfer market this time in mid-July. However, they have never introduced the Filipino-German-blooded player to the public.

"In accordance with the quota we are trying to fulfill. Today we have brought in one of the foreign players, Oliver Bias, who fits the needs of the coach. We hope Bias can give the best for Persija in navigating Liga 1," said Persija President Mohamad Prapanca at the player's introduction event as quoted by Antara.

"The selection of foreign players is 100 percent in the coach. So the coach has considered from last season why he needs a new foreign player. (Coach) Thomas Doll already has his own decision, he decided on that," he added.

Bias, who once played in the age group for the German national team, believes that his choice to join Persija is the right decision.

"My spirit is great for the team. I am ready to help the team in Liga 1. I am ready to enter the game after the game. My adaptation is quite good, fast enough. I am ready to look at the next match," said Bias.

Unfortunately, Persija still cannot play Bias when facing Persebaya Surabaya, on Sunday (30/7). Coach Thomas Doll, who was met on Wednesday (26/7) yesterday, stated that the player would not be played because he still needed time to recover.

On this decision, Bias said he was not disappointed.

"I am not disappointed. When I play, I will deploy 100 percent. This has been confirmed by the coach that I will not play tomorrow," said Bias, who will wear the number 22 jersey at Persija.