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SINGAPORE : Some 30 players from Singapore's various national age-group squads got up close and personal with former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar on Wednesday.
The 30-minute Q&A session was held at the Jalan Besar Stadium, organised by Nike and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
It saw the players grill the two-time UEFA Champions League winner on areas such as his six-year spell at United, working under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, his highlights and regrets, and how he prepares for pre-season training and matches.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia during his one-day stop-over in Singapore, van der Sar said he does not think his departure from Old Trafford will leave a big gap between the posts for the English club.
"I left; David de Gea is coming in. I think everybody else will adjust to a new player at the club. Ashley Young is coming and Jones from Blackburn is coming in. With the help of the defenders and players and the coaching staff and goalkeeper coach, I think everything should be fine at the start of the season," said the former Man Utd goalkeeper.
Van der Sar and Courts Young Lions captain Hariss Harun also exchanged signed jerseys of their respective teams.
When asked at an earlier event how Singapore could emulate the sporting success of a small country like the Netherlands, van der Sar said: "It's a long road, you don't get things easy.
"It's a lot of hard work and dedication to focus on things and get better. It's important to bring good coaches of a high level, not just for football but other sports like athletics, to Singapore, to improve the quality of sports in Singapore in general, and hopefully (it can be achieved) through the (Peter Lim) foundation."
His visit is part of the English Premier League Trophy Asian tour, which Manchester United lifted for a record 19th time, when it won the league in May.
Meanwhile, the 1.97-metre tall Dutchman hopes to coach and spend more time in Asia.
"I have been talking with one or two parties to maybe do something like a goalkeeping camp, talking with some people in Thailand, but maybe we can talk about Singapore also," said van der Sar.
While here, the 40-year-old ex-Man Utd keeper also launched a new watch at the Hublot boutique at Marina Bay Sands and met more fans.
He is scheduled to appear at Brewerkz Restaurant at Clarke Quay Wednesday night before returning home.
The Premier League Trophy is on a seven-city Asian tour with Singapore the last stop. Fans can still catch it on Thursday at a few locations like the Singapore Flyer and the Merlion.
- CNA /ls
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