Giggs warns Asean nations naturalised players not quick fix

KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has urged Southeast Asian nations not to treat naturalised and dual-heritage players as a shortcut to success.

Giggs cautioned that strong domestic academy pipelines must anchor sustainable progress in football.

Speaking to reporters in the capital, the 13-time Premier League winner addressed the accelerating trend across the region, where nations including Malaysia and Indonesia have increasingly turned to foreign-born and heritage players to fast-track competitiveness on the continental stage.

Giggs, himself a celebrated graduate of United's famed "Class of '92" youth system, offered his take on the debate and said that while outside talent can raise immediate standards, it should never come at the expense of grassroots development.

"I think everything is always a balance," Giggs said when asked if relying on naturalised players is a sound strategy for lower-ranked nations looking to climb the ladder.

"Where it's countries or leagues outside the big leagues, you need the infrastructure of academy players coming through.

"And also, the foreign players coming in, they need to be good quality, good professionals."

The 53-year-old former Wales manager also pointed out the critical role of coaching in bridging the developmental gap, noting that importing tactical expertise must serve to elevate local coaching standards rather than displace them.

"The coaching, if possible, I think should be local," he said.

"But obviously, if you bring in experienced coaches from other countries, they can also help show the professionalism and introduce different tactical ideas.

"It's always a balance. But I think for any country, it's always good if you have your own players coming through from an early age, though of course, they have to be good enough."

Beyond regional football development, Giggs reflected on his long-standing ties with Malaysia, describing the country as an indispensable commercial partner for English football giants.

"Oh, it's very important," he said.

"If I look at Man United, I've worked with Maybank, I've worked with Malaysia Airlines, and events like this boost the spotlight on the country."

Decades after making his senior debut, Giggs admitted he remains touched by the enduring enthusiasm of Malaysian supporters, who still flock to greet him at airport arrivals halls.

"If you speak to anyone who's been here, whether during pre-season or after they finish playing, they love it," he said.

"They love the people, they love the culture, and they love the food, even if sometimes it can be a bit too spicy for the UK! But no, I love it, and I always love coming back."