As his teammates struggle with their finances after Kedah failed to pay their salaries for three months, leftback Azmeer Yusoff is going on with his life unperturbed.

He has learnt some harsh lesson that now serve him well.

As a young man with a fat salary, he lived the high life, something which he now regrets.

“I did a few stupid things like applying for five credit cards, taking personal loans and the worse buying cars like a Satria Neo, Honda City, Mitsubishi Lancer, Audi, Honda FD, Vellfire and an Isuzu D-max. That’s crazy, right?

“Where is the house? I wish I could turn back time and right my wrongs.

“I did not even think of saving up and buying a house or investing in something beneficial. I had a lot of money and never thought of anything.

“Now, in 2020, I am already in my thirties, and I have not settled my loans,” said the 30-year-old.

“I feel like I am the stupidest guy in the world. With my salary from 2009 to 2019, I could have settled all my debts but I didn’t.”

Azmeer, who made his professional debut in 2008 with Kuala Lumpur, is putting the lessons he learnt to good use.

With Kedah defaulting on salaries since February, Azmeer is running businesses during the movement control order (MCO) period to make ends meet and had a fairly happy Hari Raya.

“I would like to share something with players who are earning big salaries these days. Think of your future. Do not enjoy too much and spend your money unnecessarily, especially on flashy cars. I personally bought seven cars,” Azmeer shared on his Facebook page.

In 2014, he tried to purchase a house but could not get a loan because of his previous financial commitments. When that happened, he sold all his cars except for the Vellfire and settled his credit card bills and personal loans.

“Before this, my commitments were up to RM10,000 a month, but now it has been reduced. I do not have too many headaches if my salary is not credited or if anything happens to my career.

“I have my own house now in Alor Setar. I hope with the house, I can continue improving by buying more houses as investments,” said Azmeer.

“I think it is apt to share my thoughts because we live in uncertain times. Instead of spending on your Gucci or Louis Vuitton bags, it is time you think about investments or businesses to have a stable future,” he said.

The Kedah state government had announced on March 19 an allocation of RM1.5 million for the players’ salaries. However, political uncertainties and the fall of the government meant that the amount has still not been approved. The current government has promised to help the Kedah FA solve the matter.