Kuala terengganu: Terengganu FC (TFC) import midfielder Manuel Ott revealed that his belief in the football philosophy of head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain was the main factor behind his return to don the Turtles' jersey for a third stint. Despite receiving several attractive offers from other teams, including Sabah FC, the 34-year-old was determined to leave Thailand's Rayong FC for TFC, a club that holds a special place in his heart.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Philippines international said the 2023 Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta'zim was the sweetest and most valuable experience of his career, and he hopes to relive it as a gift to the Turtles' supporters. "There are a few interested clubs, but I always felt Nafuzi's style of playing really suits me, so the decision came naturally. He is a really good coach and I like his philosophy. Besides, I've always had a good season when I was with TFC. I love the food and the city also is not too busy," he said when met during a training session at the Gong Badak Sports Complex here.

Ott hopes the Turtles' supporters will return to the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium to back the team in their quest for greater success in the 2026/2027 season. The Munich-born player said the reception from fans has so far been very positive and he is determined to repay their faith by restoring the team's reputation in the domestic football scene.

The former Kedah Darul Aman FC captain first joined TFC in 2022 before moving to Kedah in 2023 and returning to Terengganu in mid-2024.