AFC Champions League Two
Affectionately known as “General Fan”, the former defender knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, having captained China PR to their only FIFA World Cup appearance in 2002, which was after he had become the first Chinese star to be named AFC Player of the Year in 2001.
Fan began his professional career with Shanghai Shenhua in 1994 before taking his career overseas, joining Crystal Palace alongside compatriot Sun Jihai in 1998.
A central defender who could also operate in midfield or attack, Fan went on to make more than 100 appearances for Palace as well as captaining the English side and was voted their Player of the Year in 2001.
A central defender who could also operate in midfield or attack, Fan went on to make more than 100 appearances for Palace as well as captaining the English side and was voted their Player of the Year in 2001.
“A competition like the AFC Champions League Two gives a platform for more Asian players, particularly young players, to show what they can do,” said the 56-year-old Fan. “I hope they give everything they have and fully commit themselves to these matches.
“Every match is important for a professional player. They need to have that sense of responsibility towards their club and when they have the opportunity to play on a stage like this, they should fully express themselves and make the most of the opportunity.”
“Every match is important for a professional player. They need to have that sense of responsibility towards their club and when they have the opportunity to play on a stage like this, they should fully express themselves and make the most of the opportunity.”
Fan believes that determination will be crucial for teams hoping to make an impact in the 2026/27 campaign.
“The most important thing is to never give up. You need more passion, you need power and you need mental strength and determination. Until the final whistle, you have to give everything you have.”
“The most important thing is to never give up. You need more passion, you need power and you need mental strength and determination. Until the final whistle, you have to give everything you have.”
Having also played in Scotland, Wales and Hong Kong, China, Fan stressed on the importance of adapting quickly to different challenges.
“Playing in different leagues is also a way of challenging yourself and improving quickly,” he added. “Every team was a new challenge. You have to adapt to the team quickly.
“The overall standard of Asian football continues to improve. More and more outstanding players are emerging. I think that is a very good thing. Asia needs clubs that have the ability to compete and challenge at the highest level.”
“Playing in different leagues is also a way of challenging yourself and improving quickly,” he added. “Every team was a new challenge. You have to adapt to the team quickly.
“The overall standard of Asian football continues to improve. More and more outstanding players are emerging. I think that is a very good thing. Asia needs clubs that have the ability to compete and challenge at the highest level.”
And with Shanghai Shenhua remaining close to his heart, Fan hopes Chinese clubs can continue to strengthen their presence on the continental stage.
“I think Shenhua are capable of reaching an even higher level. I hope they can continue to work harder and improve.
“I hope they do not change their mentality or approach simply because every match is important.”
Photos: AFP, AFC
“I think Shenhua are capable of reaching an even higher level. I hope they can continue to work harder and improve.
“I hope they do not change their mentality or approach simply because every match is important.”
Photos: AFP, AFC
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