JAKARTA - Christian Gonzales proves he's worthy to wear the red jersey of Indonesian national team. The 34-years old Uruguayan striker received his Indonesian passport on November 2010 and quickly become popular among the Indonesian fans and supporter. His lone goal against Philippines in the AFF Cup 2010 semifinal earns him an applause from the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as well as getting his name on Twitter trending topics on Dec. 6, 2010.Gonzales becomes hero of the hour when he nodded a beautifully-crafted lob-pass from Indonesian captain Firman Utina into Philippines' net. Lack of communication between Philippines goalkeeper and defender resulted in a defensive error, and Gonzales was right there to take advantage of the situation.
Gonzales, who is married to an Indonesian woman, become the first foreign player to wear Indonesian jersey. He received his passport after playing 7 incredible seasons in Indonesian League, getting his name as the league's top-scorer five times in a row. Indeed, with such level of performance, he is proven as the best man Indonesia could have on the front-line.
To become an Indonesian, surely a big decision for Gonzales as Indonesia employs single-citizenship system. But so far it seems to be paid off. Rather than become nothing in Uruguay as there is no chance at all for him in the Uruguay national team, better be someone in other country. And now, Gonzales is more than just someone. He is recognized, hailed, and written as one of the hero in the history of Indonesian football.
In a meeting between the President and all Indonesian players shortly after the semifinal match, President Yudhoyono asked the origins of the players. When it comes to Gonzales, he quickly answered: "I'm from Indonesia, sir."
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