Arkhan Fikri 

serbainfo.com - After winning the runner up for the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup, the Indonesian national team players returned to their respective regions, and Arkhan Fikri was no exception who also returned to Serdang Bedagai, a district in North Sumatra Province.

Arkhan Fikri on Monday (28/8) returned home to Binjai Village. However, when they arrived at Kualanamu Airport, there was no reception from the Regional Government of Serdang Bedagai or the Provincial Government of North Sumatra.

He was only greeted by his family in a simple way. He was greeted at the arrival terminal of Kuala Namu Airport at around 9 am, with a bouquet of flowers.

Even so, it doesn't discourage the player. The 18 year old remains humble and keeps smiling. He considers the most important thing to be with his family and achieve for Indonesia.

"I still have a lot to learn, I'm still 18 years old, so in the future I have to learn more. And this holiday is the most important thing is family," he said.

Arkhan Fikri's parents, Tomi Harno, hope that their son's achievements will bring honor to Indonesia, especially Serdang Bedagai Regency.

Tomi Harno also hopes that Arkhan Fikri's achievements can be a motivation for youth in North Sumatra, especially in Serdang Bedagai.

"Hopefully Arkhan Fikri's achievements can be much better. And we hope that this can motivate young people in North Sumatra, especially Serdang Bedagai," said Tomi Harno.

Arkhan Fikri, the best player in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup

The player who is currently defending the Arema FC club was chosen as the best player for the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup. He was considered to have appeared very consistently throughout the tournament, especially during the final match, he appeared very heroic.

In the final, he remained on the field despite being injured. The 18-year-old player at that time had a problem with his shoulder.

Many times he had to be treated by the media team, but he remained strong to play until the game was over.

Arkhan Fikri's profile

Arkhan Fikri was born on December 28, 2004 in Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra Province. He started his football career when he joined the Medan Kwarta Academy in 2017.

Then the following year, he joined PSSA Asahan U-15. His persistence in playing football brought him to the National level by joining Barito Putera U-16.

At Barito Putera U-16, Arkhan Fikri showed his potential and managed to break into the U-18 team in 2020. His consistency at the Barito Putera academy led him to a training camp with the U-19 Indonesian National Team.

During the training camp with the U-19 Indonesian National Team, he also defended Arema FC. Arema FC gave Arkhan Fikri a five-year contract as a form of recognition for his talent.

Arkhan Fikri plays as a central player in the U-23 Indonesia National Team, and he has appeared in three matches for the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup. His important role in the team has made him considered the successor to Evan Dimas Darmono in Indonesian football.