Gudjohnsen says he's still afraid of Jaap Stam

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Chelsea and Barcelona star Eidur Gudjohnsen has quipped that Manchester United colossus Jaap Stam still gives him nightmares, more than two decades after their fierce Premier League battles.

Speaking at the media conference for the AllStar Legends clash on Saturday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, the 48-year-old Icelandic icon was asked if there was any opponent he was particularly wary of facing in Saturday's match.

Without hesitation, Gudjohnsen pointed across the panel to Stam, the anchor of United's historic 1999 treble-winning defence.

"Now, I know who I'm afraid of," Gudjohnsen said.

"I was afraid of Jaap Stam when I first met him. I was afraid of him when I played against him with Chelsea against Manchester United. And to be honest, I'm still afraid of him now!"

Stam, seated just feet away, deadpanned in response, said: "Good to hear. I'm the oldest (age 54) player here."

The two-time Premier League winner revealed that he and strike partner Michael Owen have devised a game plan for the AllStar Premier Legends, which also feature Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, and John Arne Riise.

"Michael and I have decided that we're just going to go all-out attack. We never used to defend much back in the day, so we're not going to change that now," Gudjohnsen said.

The Premier Legends will square off against a star-studded AllStar World Legends roster that include Alessandro Del Piero, Javier Saviola, Fernando Morientes, and former AC Milan goalkeeper Dida.