Safee Sali plans to call on his previous AFF Suzuki Cup experiences when leading the line for Malaysia in November's tournament.
The veteran Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) striker was handed a national lifeline by Datuk Ong Kim Swee, despite only a handful appearances for his club this season.
"I'm proud to receive a national call-up after almost a year. It is my responsibility to carry my nation in whichever way possible, and it is something I intend to do the best way I can," Safee told ESPN FC at the national training camp at the FAM headquarters.
The former Selangor man will don national colours for the first time since the 2-1 loss to the United Arab Emirates in November 2015.
But long before that, he stamped his mark on the national scene with five goals in the 2010 edition to inspire Malaysia to their maiden AFF Cup title.
That feat not only propelled him to become the tournament's goalscorer, it also catapulted him to a move to Indonesian Super League club Pelita Jaya in 2011. A trial with English Championship side Cardiff City also followed that year.
Injuries and substandard form have blighted his career in recent years, but Safee has put that behind him and is raring to feature in his fifth AFF Cup, despite doubts over his selection.
"The level of intensity in JDT is high and my momentum has never been better. No doubt I did not play much club football this year because we have good foreign strikers, but to be selected by the national coach you must fulfill certain criteria," he said. "So I am choosing to look at the positives."
But Safee has admitted his game has changed over the years.
"Of course, with age you need to tweak your game," he said. "But I have always adapted with any team I've played in, and it will be the same here. I need to adapt quickly to the younger players and our style of play."
Safee, 32, knows his playing days are numbered, and is hungrier than ever to make every moment count.
"I'm not sure if this will be my last AFF Cup, given my age and injuries," he added. "But I do hope to make a lasting impression before I retire."
Malaysia will open their Group B campaign against Cambodia on Nov. 20.