KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- An encouraging response to the AllStar Legends match at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here tonight has prompted organiser AllStar Sports to host similar events in the future, including bringing in more new legends upon fan demand.
AllStar Sports Project Director Steven Windsor said the event served as a platform to bring local fans closer to world-renowned former players, while fulfilling supporters' appetite for more interactive football experiences.
"Of course (there will be a next event). This is something the fans want, and we will try to deliver what they wish for.
"We certainly have plans to organise activities or events like this because we want to create experiences for fans who want to be closer to the players," he said when met after the AllStar Legends match here tonight.
Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol.
Meanwhile, Steven said the success of this edition was highly encouraging despite a venue change that may have caused slight inconvenience to supporters.
Commenting on the possibility of bringing in new faces for future editions, Windsor said its partnership with World Football Legends provides access to an extensive network of former international players.
He added that the organisers would strive to bring in new legends requested by fans to ensure the event continues to receive strong support.
"We work with World Football Legends, and through their network, there are many players in their database," he said.
The AllStar Legends match, which brought together former English Premier League (EPL) stars and global football icons, proved to be a highly anticipated event for local football enthusiasts, featuring stars such as Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs alongside several former EPL and international stalwarts.
The event was a continuation of the Battle of the Reds exhibition held two years ago. Played in a 5-a-side indoor format, the AllStar Premier League Legends squad featured former EPL icons John Arne Riise, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Danny Simpson, Ryan Giggs, Steven Gerrard, David Bentley, Michael Owen, and former national defender Syed Adney Syed Hussein.
Meanwhile, the AllStar World Legends squad featured Javier Saviola, Jaap Stam, Fernando Morientes, Diego Capel, Dida, Alessandro Del Piero, Gregory van der Wiel, and former national goalkeeper Razman Roslan.
The match saw the AllStar Premier League Legends edge out the AllStar World Legends 7-6.
Goals for the AllStar Premier League Legends came courtesy of a four-goal haul from Steven Gerrard, alongside strikes from John Arne Riise, David Bentley, and Michael Owen. The AllStar World Legends replied through Jaap Stam, Razman Roslan, Diego Capel, Fernando Morientes, and a brace from Javier Saviola.
-- BERNAMA