Latest news with #ZurichLiga7x7AllStars
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
EPL legends share their views with Timesport
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Manchester United stars Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Chelsea icon John Terry share their thoughts with the Malaysian media after playing in the Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars tournament at the KLFA Stadium on Saturday. Berbatov, Giggs and Terry led their respective sides in a friendly yet competitive showcase of global and local talent. Terry captained the Bangsa Bola team to a 6-2 victory over the Wizards, a team led by Giggs, in the Zurich Liga 7x7 final. Former Selangor forward Sean Selvaraj stole the show with four goals, while Mahali Jasuli and Negri Sembilan's Sebastian Avanzini added one each. The Wizards featured Malaysian legends Indra Putra Mahayuddin, R. Kogileswaran and women's national player Intan Serah. Berbatov's Zurich team finished third after edging Safee Sali's Harimau side in the playoff. Bulgarian Berbatov believes Southeast Asian players have the potential to shine on the global stage. "I wish you guys and the young players to go abroad and play in the big European clubs. It's going to be good for you and your country. You can promote your country and make your country famous too," he said. As for what makes a great footballer, Berbatov said one needs to have the inner drive and mental resilience to succeed. "To become a good player, you need ambition, concentration, and stubbornness to get through difficult times." Asked who will win the Premier League this season, Berbatov said: "I want to say United, or Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur), because I used to play for them. But it's going to be difficult. Liverpool are a big contender. Man City, of course, for sure. Many big teams will compete for the title. But who will win it? Honestly, I don't know." Meanwhile, Terry was proud of his former club, Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup in the United States recently. "It's good to go and win the Club World Cup over in America. It bodes well for the season," said the former England captain. "As a Chelsea ex-player and Chelsea fan, it's an exciting time to be a Chelsea fan." Giggs, who spent his entire career at Old Trafford, believes that United must return to their attacking roots and recruit wisely to regain their former dominance. "United are traditionally an attacking team. I think that's where we've fallen short over the last few years, just relying on Bruno Fernandes' goals," he said. "We've had goal scorers, but everyone needs to score goals within the team when we've been successful. "It's exciting times. We still need maybe four or five more signings, but we'll have to wait and see. I expect more goals next year and an exciting player as well," he said.
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
EPL legends Terry, Giggs, Berbatov in KL for 7x7 action [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: EPL legends John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are in town to get Malaysians to play a new type of football — the seven-a-side game. Terry, Giggs and Berbatov feel that the 7x7 game suits them perfectly, especially at this stage of their careers. The trio are playing in the inaugural Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars, which kicks off at KLFA Stadium today. "It's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home," said former Chelsea captain Terry. "I was speaking to Adam Azman (Liga X CEO) about organising it here. It's a format that works in England, so hopefully this is the start of something we can return to annually." Terry, who will captain Team Bangsa Bola under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, said the smaller pitch for the seven-a-side game makes it ideal for players who may no longer have the legs they once had. "The pitch is compact, which is great for us older players. We're looking forward to it," said Terry. "I think this style of football is exciting. The game has evolved over the last decade, it's slower now than it was during our time, but this format brings a new kind of energy." Terry also highlighted the format's appeal to younger, digital-savvy audiences. "It blends the worlds of football and entertainment. You have ex-pros, influencers, streamers, and the following is huge," he said. "Mixing former footballers with social media personalities works. It reaches a wider crowd." Giggs, who was also in KL two months ago to promote the Manchester United-Asean All-Stars match, said modern audiences are drawn to short, sharp formats. "We're in an age now where everyone wants things quickly. Look at cricket in 2020, shorter formats are more popular, and other sports are following suit," added the Manchester United icon. Giggs will turn out for Team Wizards, managed by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin. "Khairy's very persuasive," Giggs said with a grin. "But honestly, we love going abroad and connecting with fans. Myself, Terry, Berbatov, we're always up for it." Berbatov, who will represent Team Zurich under Zurich Malaysia country head Junior Cho, said this form of football has long been part of his roots. "Back home in Bulgaria, this type of football has always been popular. Even as a little boy, I played five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side, I still do today," said the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker. "It's a great format. It forces you to be more technical, especially in tight spaces. It's a great way to sharpen your skills." Tan Sri Tony Fernandes leads the fourth team who will feature Malaysia's very own Safee Sali in the 7x7 showcase.
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
EPL legends Terry, Giggs, Berbatov in KL for 7x7 action
Farah Azharie KUALA LUMPUR: EPL legends John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are in town to get Malaysians to play a new type of football — the seven-a-side game. Terry, Giggs and Berbatov feel that the 7x7 game suits them perfectly, especially at this stage of their careers. The trio are playing in the inaugural Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars, which kicks off at KLFA Stadium today. "It's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home," said former Chelsea captain Terry. "I was speaking to Adam Azman (Liga X CEO) about organising it here. It's a format that works in England, so hopefully this is the start of something we can return to annually." Terry, who will captain Team Bangsa Bola under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, said the smaller pitch for the seven-a-side game makes it ideal for players who may no longer have the legs they once had. "The pitch is compact, which is great for us older players. We're looking forward to it," said Terry. "I think this style of football is exciting. The game has evolved over the last decade, it's slower now than it was during our time, but this format brings a new kind of energy." Terry also highlighted the format's appeal to younger, digital-savvy audiences. "It blends the worlds of football and entertainment. You have ex-pros, influencers, streamers, and the following is huge," he said. "Mixing former footballers with social media personalities works. It reaches a wider crowd." Giggs, who was also in KL two months ago to promote the Manchester United-Asean All-Stars match, said modern audiences are drawn to short, sharp formats. "We're in an age now where everyone wants things quickly. Look at cricket in 2020, shorter formats are more popular, and other sports are following suit," added the Manchester United icon. Giggs will turn out for Team Wizards, managed by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin. "Khairy's very persuasive," Giggs said with a grin. "But honestly, we love going abroad and connecting with fans. Myself, Terry, Berbatov, we're always up for it." Berbatov, who will represent Team Zurich under Zurich Malaysia country head Junior Cho, said this form of football has long been part of his roots. "Back home in Bulgaria, this type of football has always been popular. Even as a little boy, I played five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side, I still do today," said the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker. "It's a great format. It forces you to be more technical, especially in tight spaces. It's a great way to sharpen your skills."
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Terry, Giggs, Berbatov come to KL for 7x7 action
Farah Azharie KUALA LUMPUR: EPL legends John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov are in town to get Malaysians to play a new type of football — the seven-a-side game. Terry, Giggs and Berbatov feel that the 7x7 game suits them perfectly, especially at this stage of their careers. The trio are playing in the inaugural Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars, which kicks off at KLFA Stadium today. "It's a great concept. We're doing something very similar back home," said former Chelsea captain Terry. "I was speaking to Adam Azman (Liga X CEO) about organising it here. It's a format that works in England, so hopefully this is the start of something we can return to annually." Terry, who will captain Team Bangsa Bola under Tan Sri Nazir Razak, said the smaller pitch for the seven-a-side game makes it ideal for players who may no longer have the legs they once had. "The pitch is compact, which is great for us older players. We're looking forward to it," said Terry. "I think this style of football is exciting. The game has evolved over the last decade, it's slower now than it was during our time, but this format brings a new kind of energy." Terry also highlighted the format's appeal to younger, digital-savvy audiences. "It blends the worlds of football and entertainment. You have ex-pros, influencers, streamers, and the following is huge," he said. "Mixing former footballers with social media personalities works. It reaches a wider crowd." Giggs, who was also in KL two months ago to promote the Manchester United-Asean All-Stars match, said modern audiences are drawn to short, sharp formats. "We're in an age now where everyone wants things quickly. Look at cricket in 2020, shorter formats are more popular, and other sports are following suit," added the Manchester United icon. Giggs will turn out for Team Wizards, managed by former sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin. "Khairy's very persuasive," Giggs said with a grin. "But honestly, we love going abroad and connecting with fans. Myself, Terry, Berbatov, we're always up for it." Berbatov, who will represent Team Zurich under Zurich Malaysia country head Junior Cho, said this form of football has long been part of his roots. "Back home in Bulgaria, this type of football has always been popular. Even as a little boy, I played five-a-side, six-a-side, seven-a-side, I still do today," said the former Manchester United and Tottenham striker. "It's a great format. It forces you to be more technical, especially in tight spaces. It's a great way to sharpen your skills." Tan Sri Tony Fernandes leads the fourth team who will feature Malaysia's very own Safee Sali in the 7x7 showcase.
