Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) owner HRH Major General Tunku Ismail ibni Sultan Ibrahim speaks with FOX Sports' John Dykes on the looming AFC Champions League group stages. [1/8]

During the interview, HRH Tunku Ismail shared the club's ambition in the Champions League, the excitement of playing alongside Asia's best teams and his message to the players.

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"I am very proud that we are competing in this competition. It has always been a target since  2013. I used to say it, and everybody was looking at me as if I was joking. We have been very disciplined towards that goal," said HRH Tunku Ismail. 

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"If we can pass the group stage or reach the quarterfinals would be a great achievement for the club.

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That would be the target. It's not going to be easy, we are aware of that, but it is not something we are just going to give up or not going to try. We are going to try our best and give 100%.

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"The players have to understand that it's not a burden to play in the ACL. It's an opportunity to shine. It's a great honour to be in this great competition. They must understand that they must use this opportunity to enjoy football, enjoy playing at the highest level."

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HRH Tunku Ismail also told FOX Sports that the Southern Tigers' Champions League's participation meant the entire continent's eyes would be on Johor, his beloved State.

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The interview, the first part of a series, was aired on FOX Sports prior to the Champions League Play -Off round today, 19 February 2019.

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