Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny meets hundreds of newfound fans in China
The 40-year-old footballer received a warm welcome in Shanghai.
Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny takes a picture with a Chinese fan in Shanghai on Jun 17, 2024.
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Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, at the peak of his newfound fame in China, met hundreds of Chinese fans on Monday (Jun 17) during a trip to Shanghai.
Hassan was in China at the invitation of property giant Capitaland, which owns several commercial properties there.
Fans showed up in droves at Raffles City The Bund to show their appreciation for Hassan's performance against Thailand in a World Cup qualifier match, queuing up to take pictures with him.
"I hope he will get better, and eventually come play in China," said one of his many supporters.
Despite Singapore being beaten 3-1, Hassan pulled off many point-blank saves that ensured that China went through to the next round at that Thais' expense, achieving overnight celebrity.
"It's amazing to see how much love and support I'm getting here," said Hassan, who will be in Shanghai until Tuesday.
At 40, Hassan is at an age most professional footballers would have already retired, but the Singapore keeper has other plans.
"I have a few more years to go, as of so now it's all about doing things to make sure I prolong my career, because I still have the interest and the love for the game," he said.
THE TOAST OF CHINA
After his goalkeeping display that indirectly helped China advance, Hassan began receiving messages of support.
The next day, grateful Chinese fans in Singapore thronged Dapur Hassan, his family's food stall in Tampines, causing it to sell out early.
Fans in China who wanted to express their gratitude transferred money to the stall's Alipay account, after netizens circulated photos of its payment QR code online.
Hassan made a post written in Chinese on his Instagram account, thanking fans for the support, but he also implored them to stop transferring him money, due to scammers tampering with the QR code.
"I know it's not my money. I know that whatever came in, I will donate to charity," he said on Monday.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Sunday praised Hassan's "spirit of compassion and sharing".
"Thank you Hassan Sunny for showing the way ... Hassan decided to contribute the donations, which were made to the hawker stall run by his wife Aidah Rahim and him, to charity," said the President in an Instagram post in which he also conveyed Hari Raya Haji greetings to all Muslims.
The religious holiday, which falls on Monday, is a reminder of the value of sacrifice and sharing with friends and those in need, he added.
Singapore footballer Hassan Sunny met hundreds of Chinese fans on the first day of his trip to China. The 40-year-old is there at the invitation of property giant CapitaLand. CNA’s Tan Yew Guan caught up with him in Shanghai.
