"Fame is the scentless sunflower with gaudy crown of gold,
But friendship is the breathing of rose, with sweets in every fold"
Look at Fandi Ahmad's sons!! They're grown up!
Valencia want 2nd look at Fandi's sons
GOING PLACES: Fandi Ahmad's sons, ikhsan (left) and Irfan. -- PHOTO: THE RED CARD PTE LTD
FANDI Ahmad's two sons have reached yet another milestone in Europe.
Irfan, 10, and Ikhsan, eight, have been invited by Spanish Primera Liga side Valencia to train with their youth academy for two weeks in September.
The pair, who are the eldest children of the former Singapore star, impressed Valencia officials during tryouts last week in Alicante, Spain.
Miguel Tendillo, co-ordinator for the club's Under-12 set-up, described Ikhsan as 'a great talent and a natural goalscorer'.
According to the former Spanish international, Irfan 'showed good movement and worked hard to create chances'.
During a trial match alongside Spanish boys in his age group, Ikhsan scored four goals. Irfan played as an attacking midfielder in another match, creating three goals.
The rare opportunity to train with Valencia's youth teams came after the Singapore boys earned rave reviews at AC Milan's junior football camp in the Spanish city of Malaga two weeks ago.
If they do well at Valencia, the club may be given first option to sign them when they turn 14.
R. Sasikumar, the director of sports management agency, The Red Card, is helping to coordinate Irfan and Ikhsan's European stint.
Said the former Singapore footballer: 'They passed Valencia's first test with flying colours.
'Clubs like that don't just invite anyone to train at their academy, so this is a big achievement for the boys.'
The two youngsters will also head to London later this month to play in an Under-13 tournament organised by Arsenal.
They are likely to attend football camps in Europe on an annual basis during their school holidays.
super kawaii :D
