Emil Audero, the new goalkeeper for the Indonesian national team, has shared his heartwarming childhood experiences in Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat, while expressing his commitment to learning Bahasa Indonesia to better connect with his teammates.
Emil Audero, a name familiar to fans of Indonesian football, has been on the radar of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) since he was a junior player at Juventus back in 2016. The hopes of his joining the Indonesian team were sparked when PSSI was under the leadership of Mochammad Iriawan. Two years ago, discussions around his potential selection intensified among Indonesian netizens, centered around aspirations for the former Inter Milan player to proudly represent the national team. This desire was realized when Emil officially became an Indonesian citizen on March 10, 2025.
Reflecting on his roots, Emil Audero opened up about his deep connection to Lombok. He shared, “I have very beautiful memories,” emphasizing his fond experiences in his birthplace. “I was born in Lombok, lived there for the first nine months, specifically in Praya, the city of my father and my family.” This brief residence in the island province had a lasting impact on him, as his parents met over 30 years ago while his mother was on holiday there.
Even though Emil has largely resided in Italy throughout his life, he made several visits to Lombok, cherishing the time spent with extended family. “I have very nice childhood memories because there were not just my father but also my uncle, aunt, and grandparents,” he said.
Upon joining the Indonesian national team, one of Emil's primary aims is to master Bahasa Indonesia. He recognizes the importance of language in fostering better communication on the team, stating, “Unfortunately, I do not speak Indonesian well. I know a few words and phrases, but I definitely need to improve my skills and will take Bahasa Indonesia lessons.”
This commitment resonates deeply with Emil as he aims not just to integrate smoothly into the squad but to honor his cultural roots. Discussions with his family have been affirmative, as they realize the significance of this journey for him. “I have talked about it with my parents, and of course, my father is very happy,” Emil shared. “So is my mother because she knows the history, she understands what Indonesia means to me and my family. They are of course happy.”
Currently, Emil is gearing up to participate with the Indonesian national team as they advance into the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Asia, facing tough competition against Australia and Bahrain. With a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to his heritage, Emil Audero represents more than just a player for Indonesia; he embodies the aspiration of a nation united through sport.
