We always hear about our local athletes talking about their idols, who sometimes happen to be international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham.

But what if we turn the tables this time around; an international football star professing his love for our legendary athlete Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei?

In a recent interview with Astro Supersport, Manchester United winger Daniel James has revealed that he’s actually a huge fan of the badminton icon.

Ironically, Chong Wei is also a big fan of Manchester United, and he recently met the 21-year-old footballer in Singapore in July during a match between the Red Devils and Inter Milan.


However, during their brief meeting when James was signing an autograph for Chong Wei, the young football player did not notice he was signing for the three-time Olympic silver medalist.

“I actually signed a thing for him. I was signing and there was a big long line, so I did not really look up too much and did not realise it was him or (else) I would’ve recognised or seen him,” James said.

“But I think he sent me a picture on social media and I said, 'Oh, I didn’t realise or I would've said hello and had a good conversation with him'.”

Chong Wei, who was honoured to hear James’ admiration for himm shared a photo of the said encounter on Facebook:


“Huge honour to hear how Daniel James spoke of our acquaintance in his interview with Adam Carruthers,” he wrote.

“This is the photo showing me star struck waiting for his signature. It’s amazing how sports can bring people together. We shared conversation ever since and we are exchanging jerseys!”

Lee Chong Wei just went from hanging with badminton legends to football superstars. We wonder who else is secretly a fan of him. Lionel Messi, perhaps?

Whatever it is, we definitely ship this cute little friendship of theirs!