While the Foxtel A-League All Stars inaugural match will be a momentous occasion for all involved, the game against the world’s biggest club will be an extra special occasion for Western Sydney Wanderers cult hero Youssouf Hersi.
While the Foxtel A-League All Stars inaugural match will be a momentous occasion for all involved, the game against the world-s biggest club will be an extra special occasion for Western Sydney Wanderers cult hero Youssouf Hersi.
The match against Manchester United will give the Dutchman the opportunity to take the field against two of his countryman, with football superstar Robin Van Persie and young defender Alexander Buttner heading down under.
“I know a few of the Manchester United players. I know Robin and Buttner, the left back, who are both from Holland so I look forward against playing against them,” said Hersi.
“It is a big game and a big game for soccer here in Australia. Manchester United is a big team and I am looking forward to playing against them.”
Hersi had the opportunity to play alongside Van Persie when they were both coming through the youth ranks of the Dutch international side.
“We played in the Dutch U-21 side together but now he is a big player for one of the world-s biggest clubs.”
A laid-back character off the field, Hersi has extended his hospitality to his compatriots when they touch down in Sydney.
“If we have time I would show them the sights of Sydney,” he said with a laugh.
“(At least) I-ll have someone to speak Dutch to when they are here.”
It has been a whirlwind 12 months in Australia for the 30-year-old whose energetic play helped the Wanderers claim the Premier-s Plate in their first season in the Hyundai A-League.
Hersi-s enterprising play won him many supporters in the west of Sydney and around the country which has now seen him rewarded with selection to the All Stars side, an accomplishment which he is extremely proud of.
“It-s nice to have come to Australia. To have been selected not only by supporters but also the coaches is really good. I cannot wait for the new season to get underway.”
Hersi was selected as one of five Wanderers players to line up against Manchester United with teammates Ante Covic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, captain Michael Beauchamp and Mark Bridge also getting the call-up.
While the match at ANZ Stadium on July 20 has sold out, Australian fans will get another chance to see the Red Devils on the pitch when they host an open training session on Friday July 19.
All tickets to the training session are just $15 and go on sale 11am Friday 5 July.
With 80 000 tickets being sold for the All Stars clash in a matter of minutes it is a great opportunity for those that missed out to get along and see the world-s biggest football club.
Please note that all tickets are general admission and that you can purchase up to eight (8) tickets per transaction, buy now!
