The Lions XII midfielder opted to stay with his current employers.
Singapore coach Bernd Stange has praised Hariss Harun for rejecting a contract offer from Portuguese side Rio Ave.
The Lions XII star has dreamed of carving out a professional career in Europe since childhood and but when the opportunity presented itself the 22-year-old turned it down to remain with the Malaysian Super League champions next season.
His decision has won support from Stange, who believes moving to a club outside of the Primeira Liga’s top-three would not have been worthwhile for Hariss, despite Rio Ave qualifying for next season’s Europa League, with the German commending his midfield general for making a brave call.
“It’s his decision, and it’s a great decision I think,” he told The New Paper before the national team’s training session at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday.
“Everyone knows that in Portugal, aside from the big three clubs (Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon), all other clubs are struggling financially.
“Some players don’t get their salaries on time… there isn’t enough stability. I’m happy Hariss did not sign (for Rio Ave). He and Sirina Camara are two players here who can play in a top European club right now.”
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