Charlton eyes Asian player
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-20 09:19

Former English soccer great Sir Bobby Charlton said Tuesday the standard of Asian soccer has improved significantly and he hopes Manchester United will sign a player from this region.

Former Manchester United's legend Sir Bobby Charlton. [dspace.dial.pipex.com]

"Asia is not a joke any more," Charlton, a Manchester United director and former star player, told a news conference in Hong Kong to promote the club's exhibition match against Hong Kong on July 23.

"You see what happened with Korea, with Japan . . . it's possible to beat the best teams in the world if you are coached correctly and you are prepared properly."

Charlton, who also played on England's World Cup winning side in 1966, said he wants Manchester United to sign an Asian player and believes it eventually will.

"One day, there will be a player that plays for Manchester United who comes from this part of the world," Charlton said.

Charlton promised a full team for the exhibition against Hong Kong, barring injuries, saying fans can expect Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Close

A farewell to Armstrong Rockets beat Clippers 115-90, win 6th straight Manchester United crush Newcastle 4-1, ease into the FA CUP final

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Two Americans get jail for DVD piracy         FM: Annan's advice taken on board         German cardinal becomes Pope Benedict XVI         Tokyo court rejects appeal of war victims         Toothpaste cancer scare spotlighted         Safety must improve as air travel grows	Manchester United to bring full squad to Hong Kong       Charlton eyes Asian player       Ferrero, Moya dig deep to win in Barcelona       Yao, McGrady help Rockets win 6th straight       Armstrong to retire after Tour de France       Hao Haidong scores his first goal in England