Four Manchester United veterans arrived in Yangon Sunday for a charity match aimed at drawing attention to the former pariah state's return to the world stage.
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"We learned that Myanmar football was dominant in South-East Asia in 1960s and 1970s, but it had fallen because, I think, of it's several problems," said former Manchester United full back Dennis Irwin.
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"We come here not only for the charity fundraiser, but also to tell you that that the world will support Myanmar's changes ... Keep on fighting, Myanmar."
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Myanmar was under military dictatorships between 1962 and 2010, but has launched itself on a dramatic path of political and economic reform since an elected government came to power in March 2011.
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Irwin and former Manchester United players Andy Cole, Clayton Blackmore and Lee Sharpe were scheduled to join the Myanmar national team against local rival, the Myanmar National League All Star team in a friendly match at Yangon's Thuwunna Stadium Sunday evening.
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Donations received from the match will go to Buddhist monastic education, local hospitals and HIV rehabilitation efforts, said Zaw Zaw, chairman of Myanmar Football Federation and founder of Ayeyarwady Foundation that is hosting the match.Authors: Kyaw Ye Lynn and Peter Janssen
Manchester United is and will always be a great club. We've had so many veterans cos we always produce World Class Players.