14-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a heartwarming display of gratitude and humility, Singapore’s national football goalkeeper, Hassan Sunny, has issued a plea to Chinese fans, urging them to refrain from transferring money to him following his heroic performance during the recent World Cup qualifier against Thailand.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper, who plays for Albirex Niigata in the Singapore Premier League, found himself at the center of an outpouring of support from Chinese football enthusiasts after his remarkable 11 saves played a pivotal role in China’s progression to the final round of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers.
Chinese fans in Singapore flocked to Hassan’s nasi padang stall, Dapur Hassan, in Tampines, overwhelming the establishment with their appreciation. Many fans, both locally and in China, attempted to transfer money through the stall’s QR code, which had been circulating on social media, as a gesture of gratitude.
However, in an Instagram post written in Chinese on Thursday, June 13th, Hassan graciously thanked the fans for their overwhelming support but implored them to “support him rationally” and cease sending monetary contributions.
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Expressing concern over the potential exploitation of the situation, Hassan warned that some unscrupulous individuals had been circulating fake QR codes, attempting to capitalize on the goodwill of fans.
Speaking to the media after a training session at Jurong East Stadium, the veteran goalkeeper also addressed rumours claiming he had received an astounding $5.8 million from Chinese fans. With a hint of amusement, he dismissed the speculation, stating, “If I had really received such a huge sum, I would not have to train here anymore. It is not possible, especially in Singapore, where everything is in black and white.”
Regarding the funds he has already received, Hassan expressed his intention to donate the unexpected contributions. “Of course, I will donate. When you receive money that does not belong to you, you have to donate it,” he said, exemplifying his grounded nature and integrity.
While basking in the newfound adulation, Hassan acknowledged the fleeting nature of such fame. “The past few days have been awesome for me because it’s something I’ve never experienced before. I’ve been receiving thank-you messages… like they’re calling me ‘father’, and some calling me ‘God’ and stuff,” he said with a hint of amusement. However, he believes the frenzy will “die down soon”, so he is savoring the experience while it lasts.
The impact of Hassan’s heroics extended beyond social media, with long queues forming at Dapur Hassan for two consecutive days. The stall, which the goalkeeper runs with his wife, even sold out early, prompting Hassan to compensate his employees for the overtime hours worked to cater to the overwhelming demand.
