VietNamNet Bridge – In the evening of January 2, Trinidad & Tobago striker - Dwight Yorke – unexpectedly appeared in Hanoi as a FIFA ambassador during the journey around the world of the FIFA trophy.

In the initial three-day schedule of the FIFA Cup in Vietnam, Yorke was not mentioned as a FIFA representative. Therefore, Yorke’s presence at the Gala Dinner to introduce the FIFA trophy in Hanoi last night surprised all attendants.

Immediately, the former star of Man Utd – who contributed to Manchester United’s 1999 Champions League championship, became a magnet and attracted the attention of the media and attendants.

Talking to the press, Yorke expressed his honor to be in Vietnam. "I am very proud to be a FIFA representative during the journey of the FIFA trophy around the world. I feel it’s extremely interesting to witness enthusiastic fans greeting the trophy in Vietnam," he said.

When he was asked about his understanding with Vietnam’s football, Yorke said: "I know the Vietnamese fans are admirers of the Manchester United FC and when I came here I directly witnessed this. I was recognized by Vietnamese everywhere and was also requested to take photos with them. I'm glad for this because Man Utd is also the team in my heart."

"I know the people of Vietnam are big football fans. With such great love, I firmly believe that Vietnam's football will soon be at the World Cup, like my Trinidad & Tobago team in 2006," he added.

About the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the striker said: "There are many strong teams in the planet's most fascinating tournament, but I like the host team very much. I believe that with major objective advantages and the powerful force, the team will become the new champion of the 2014 World Cup."

Dwight Yorke was born in 1971. He began his football career with nine seasons playing for Aston Villa FC in the Premier League (England). However, the most successful period in his career was in Manchester United, where he spent four successful seasons.

He played in 95 matches and scored 48 goals. Yorke and Andy Cole formed the most dangerous pair of strikers in Europe at the time and they together helped Man Utd win the famous treble victory – the championship of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 1998-1999.

After leaving Old Trafford at the age of 31, Yorke did not achieve success at the club level before leaving his career at the age of 39. He joined the Trinidad & Tobago team in the World Cup in 2006.

Nam Nguyen