Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany admits he doesn’t know much about the Malaysia team the Barclays Premier League champions will be facing on 30th July, and declines to predict the score of the upcoming friendly match.

For fans of the ‘Citizens’ in Malaysia, this was the day they waited for. Excitement has been high ever since the announcement of Manchester City’s visit to these shores, as part of their pre-season tour following their successful season in which they pipped rivals and defending champions Manchester United to the title on the final day of the season.. with basically the final kick of the ball.

Flanked by Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, General Secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), and Mr. Julian Kam, CEO of Proevents Group. The Belgian international professionally answered all the questions from the media and fans alike. His reputation as being an expert when dealing with the media was plain for all in attendance.

“Malaysia is the only South East Asian country given the opportunity to host the English giants and it is therefore expected that many football fans from neighbouring countries including  Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam will be visiting Malaysia during that week,” said Dato’ Azzuddin Ahmad.

“The friendly match isn’t the only thing fans can look forward to, there will be match, team and fans activities which will be announced shortly, including training clinics and meet the fans sessions” added Mr. Julian Kam.

Question:
Will the big names be coming to Malaysia? Or will we only be seeing the squad players during Manchester City’s tour?

Vincent Kompany:
I’ll be here! (laughter) All the lads will want to be here, it’s an important time ahead of the beginning of the season, and everyone will be giving their all.

Question:
Will Manchester City be looking at signing any big stars in this off-season?

Vincent Kompany:
The manager takes charge of transfer activities, and I wouldn’t know what plans he would have. But he has said he is looking to bring in one or two players, but that’s the norm with any big, successful club.

Question:
Did you try and persuade your compatriot Eden Hazard to join you at Manchester City?

Vincent Kompany:
Well, I did try, but I didn’t want to make it look too obvious. I play with him in the (Belgium) national team, and I know just how good a player he is. If he’s decided to go to Chelsea, then I wish him the best of luck. You’ve got to do what your heart is telling you.

Question:
How much do you honestly know about the Malaysia team you will be facing and are you brave enough to predict the scoreline?

Vincent Kompany:
Honestly I don’t know much… besides from the pictures around here (looks at a poster)… I doubt he plays any more. (laughter). But that could play in their advantage. A surprise could be in store.

Question:
…and the scoreline?

Vincent Kompany:
(Snickers) I usually get it wrong anyway. So I’m not going to try…

Question:
…Manchester City to win then?

Vincent Kompany:
I can’t say, man! (laughter)

Tickets for the match are priced at RM58, RM68, RM108 and limited VIP tickets at RM388. Available from Thursday, 7th June at all Ticketpro outlets, Ticketpro hotline and www.ticketpro.com.my

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