For Simpson, competitiveness is essential to reaching the top.
FORMER Premier League champion Danny Simpson believes visiting former players can contribute to football development in Malaysia, particularly at youth and academy level, while praising the passion of local fans.
The former Manchester United and Newcastle United defender said All-Stars events were about more than nostalgia, with the experience of former professionals helping to raise standards.
“I think if you can be a part of developing, especially youth football or academies and football in these parts of the world, I think these events help that.
“With our knowledge and experience, we can only help grow the football here and raise the standard,” he said.
Simpson was speaking in an interview at Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur on Thursday ahead of the All-Stars event, which also features Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Alessandro Del Piero, Dida, Fernando Morientes and Gregory van der Wiel.
Asked if he could follow Luis Garcia at Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) by taking up coaching or managing in the Malaysian Super League, Simpson said he had only started coaching in Dubai this season but was enjoying passing on his knowledge.
“Something different, and I love it… developing, trying to pass my knowledge on to players and help them get better and grow.
“Already in two months, I’ve seen the difference. Especially here, I know what Luis Garcia is doing,” he said.
The Manchester-born full-back has visited Kuala Lumpur several times, including about five trips in the past two months while covering Premier League matches with Stadium Astro.
“Yes, I love it. I think I love the people here. So friendly. A lot of people back home probably don’t realise how passionate they are about football.
“The biggest thing for me is the passion and the friendliness of the people. It’s so nice,” he said.
Simpson said the opportunity to play again alongside and against some of the biggest names of his generation was a major attraction.
“I just think the opportunity to play football again and with some other legends. With them, against them. In my career, I’ve played against some of them. But now I get to play with them.
“Obviously Gerrard and Michael Owen… And then to play against Del Piero and Dida… legends.”
He expects the relaxed atmosphere to disappear once the match begins.
“We’re saying this now. But maybe when the whistle blows, it’ll get a bit competitive. It’s a switch. Once maybe one team goes 1-0 down, you will see the switch.
“But that’s what we want. We want the fans to enjoy the game. We want it competitive,” he said.
Asked who he was most excited to play alongside and against, Simpson picked Gerrard and Del Piero.
“I have to say, obviously, Gerrard. He was a big rival at Man Utd for many years. And I loved him as a player.
“To actually now be playing, and Steven giving me the ball, and playing, trying to win together. It’s him.
“And then obviously, against, I’ll probably be as a defender. I’ll be marking Del Piero,” he added.
For Simpson, competitiveness is essential to reaching the top.
“If you want to get to the top, you have to have that. Otherwise, you are not going to win,” he said.
He said fans often saw only the final product without appreciating the work required to become a professional.
“All the work that goes in every day. Remember the moments where you lift the trophy. But the work that goes in, not just in the first team, but from being young as a kid.
“And when you get into the first team, you think the work stops, but it gets even more. Because people want to take your place.”
Beyond football, Simpson said becoming a father was one of his proudest achievements. After retiring, he also earned a degree in sports psychology.
His biggest football dream, however, had always been to play for Manchester United, with his Premier League debut for the club a career highlight.
“I think my debut in the Premier League for United was to set up Wayne Rooney. I crossed it for him. He scored a header at the Stretford End.
“Then to have Ronaldo, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs… celebrate with me because they were happy for me… So I’ve got these moments and pictures.
“My family was in the stadium. I’m from Manchester. It was probably the best debut I could have ever dreamt of having.”
Simpson ended the interview with a thank you — and a “terima kasih” — as Malaysia prepares for the All-Stars event.
