EPL greats visit Emerald Buddha Temple
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Three former English soccer stars led by Manchester United great Bryan Robson visited the Emerald Buddha Temple yesterday ahead of their appearances in the Standard Chartered EPL Master Cup tomorrow.
Ex-Thailand soccer team coach Robson and the two former Liverpool stars Robbie Fowler and Steve Harkness made a one-hour visit to one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions, drawing huge interest from local media.
The English trio will team up with other former English Premiership stars such as Manchester United striker Andrew Cole and Newcastle United hitman Faustino Asprilla to play in the six-a-side competition at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani tomorrow.
The 55-year-old Robson, whose managerial career included stints at Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion, was hoping the event would be great entertainment for local fans.
“Hopefully, Thai people will really enjoy the Masters. It has worked in other countries in Asia. All the players who came over from England look forward to the tournament. We hope to give the fans a wonderful event,” said Robson.
Despite having visited the temple on several other occasions during his two-year stint as the national coach, Robson said he always enjoyed every visit to the place.
“Well, I visited the temple on a few other occasions. It’s always a great place to come and visit. The history of the place is quite fantastic. It’s always very interesting every time I come.”
Fowler, dubbed “God” by the Kop for his scoring exploits for the Merseyside club, is another who is familiar with the Kingdom, after his brief stint as a player with Thailand Premier League club Muang Thong United.
While admitting he still followed the results of the two-time TPL champions, Fowler, who left the Thai club at the end of last season, revealed it would be difficult for him to play in the country again.
“I don’t think so [playing for another Thai club]. I enjoyed my time playing for Muang Thong. I have great respect for them. I never thought I would come over to Thailand and play. I really enjoyed my time with the team,” said the 37-year-old Fowler.
