Zulham Zamrun on missed Barcelona move and senior players shifting to Liga 2

Former Indonesia national team striker Zulham Zamrun said he once reached an agreement with FC Barcelona while playing for Mitra Kukar but declined the move because he felt the Spanish food would not suit him. He now calls the decision a mistake and regrets missing the chance to join the club.

Zamrun also explained why many senior Indonesian players are opting to continue their careers in Liga 2. He cited age, the increasing competition in Liga 1 and recurring injuries as the main reasons players over 35 prefer the lower tier, where the pressure is less intense. Zamrun, who has played for Persib Bandung, PSM Makassar, Persela Lamongan and Persijap Jepara, remains active in Liga 2 and says his motivation to play is unchanged.

The story also recalled earlier Indonesian wonderkid Tristan Alif, who attracted Barcelona’s attention in 2007 and later trialed at the club’s La Masia academy, highlighting the country’s ongoing links with the Spanish giant.