Officially Become An Indonesian Citizen, Maarten Paes: Indonesia Deserves To Appear In The World Cup

Maarten Paes can't wait to defend the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@maartenpaes).

JAKARTA - Maarten Paes has officially become an Indonesian citizen (WNI) after completing naturalization on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. With his new status, Maarten expressed optimism for Indonesian football which he considered appropriate to finish at the World Cup.

Maarten admitted that he was happy and considered this change in citizenship status to be a big moment in his life. The player who plays as a goalkeeper also admitted that he could not wait to participate in the Indonesian national team.

"I am very proud. This is a big moment for me. A happy moment to share with the Indonesian people."

"I am very proud and impatient to start playing (with the Indonesian national team)," said Maarten Paes, quoted from PSSI's official website, Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Although he has only officially become part of the Indonesian national team, in fact Maarten is optimistic about the progress of the team. He did not even hesitate to reveal that the Garuda Squad is a team that deserves to be far away until it appears in the upcoming World Cup.

"Everything is clear for June 2024 (World Cup Qualification 2026). I think this nation deserves to be in the World Cup."

"That is my main target and plays as much as possible. As well as having an impact on and off the field. I also want to be an example for the younger generation," said the FC Dallas goalkeeper.

Paes is a naturalized Dutch-Semarang player who is Shin Tae-yong's recommendation to strengthen the Indonesian national team. The 25-year-old goalkeeper underwent naturalization with Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen in early March 2024.

However, Maarten Paes has just fulfilled his oath to become an Indonesian citizen, Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

The presence of Maarten Paes is expected to strengthen the Indonesian national team against Iraq on June 6, 2024 and the Philippines on June 11, 2024, in the 2026 World Cup Qualification at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta.

Looking at the big agenda in front of our eyes with the Indonesian national team, Maarten Paes can't wait to experience the full support of supporters in the 2026 World Cup Qualification match.

"The fans in Indonesia are extraordinary. They are the most loyal people I know. They are people who are full of enthusiasm. You can see, in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, how they provide support to Garuda Muda, even outside the stadium," said Maarten Paes.