Ilija Spasojevic Starts His Debut In The Indonesian National Team In Today's Memory, November 18, 2017

Portrait of Ilija Spasojevic (9) when wearing a Red and White uniform. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA Memories of today, seven years ago, November 18, 2017, Ilija Spasojevic made his debut with the Indonesian senior football national team against Syria U-23 at Wibawa Mukti Stadium, Cikarang, West Java. Spaso's presence was warmly welcomed by Indonesian supporters.

Previously, Spaso had been present in Indonesia since 2011. He has defended elite Indonesian clubs such as PSM Makassar to Persib Bandung. Later, spaso began to feel comfortable living in Indonesia. Finally, he chose to become an Indonesian citizen.

Work as a professional footballer is full of challenges. Someone must be ready to leave his country to defend foreign football clubs who want to borrow their services. That's what Spaso did.

The soccer player from Montenegro left for Indonesia for the first time in 2011. Spaso's arrival at that time in order to defend Bali Devata who competed in the Indonesian Premier League. His existence as a goal acquisition striker with Bali Devata made other clubs interested.

He was also starting to be looked at by elite clubs in Indonesia. Spaso had joined PSM Makassar. One of the clubs special to him. Because, he got his soulmate when he defended Juku Eja's team. Spaso's career also rose. He then joined Persib Bandung. Then anchored back to Bhayangkara FC.

Spaso not only gained fame, he also slowly began to fall in love with the Indonesian state. Many of his happy moments are present in Indonesia. He got an Indonesian wife. He is also blessed with two children. Spaso's life is complete.

His desire to serve as an Indonesian citizen has resurfaced. This wish has actually been suppressed by Spaso for a long time. Spaso has collected the necessary documents. However, that wish only really materialized on October 25, 2017. Spaso finally officially became an Indonesian citizen.

"Finally I am Indonesia! I hope that one day I will wear the proud Red and White uniform Garuda in the Indonesian national team. I ask for the support of the entire community and football lovers in the country. Greetings to PSSI for providing a lot of assistance so that this wish is realized," wrote Spaso on his Instagram account, @spasogol, October 25, 2017.

Ulam's beloved pinnacle arrives. His desire to wear the Red and White uniform finally materialized on November 18, 2017. Spaso made his debut with the senior national team when he hosted Syria U-23 at Wibawa Mukti Stadium, Cikarang, West Java.

Spaso's presence received a lively welcome from all Indonesian people. They also saluted because Spaso actually had memorized the national anthem of Indonesia Raya. Many also believe that Spaso will be able to bring Indonesia to victory in Southeast Asian football.

Spaso's debut was marked by defeat. The Garuda team had to settle for losing 0-1. However, that did not make Spaso sad. He promised to do his best for the Indonesian national team in the future.

"This is my first match in the national team. I want to thank PSSI and the coach. Sorry today we haven't been able to give a win."

"It is extraordinary to be able to sing Indonesia Raya. This is extraordinary like a dream come true, but I am a bit sad because we lost. But I am optimistic that it will be better in the future," said Spaso as quoted by the voice.com page, November 18, 2017.