Hong Kong lures ex-Red

Former Red Nicky Butt is in Hong Kong weighing up an offer to come out of retirement and sign a three-month contract with South China FC. We spoke to the Treble-winning midfielder as he prepared for a trial game on Tuesday...

What have you been doing so far in Hong Kong?
I flew out on Sunday, arrived on Monday and had a rest in the afternoon, then went training and met the rest of the team and manager. I went for a meal with [South China chairman] Steven Lo and his wife on Monday night to say hello and have a chat, and now I’m looking forward to the first game.

How was your first training session?
It was good, and pretty tough for the day before a game! We had an hour-and-a-half session, it was sharp and the lads were all buzzing. Personally I felt OK – a bit rusty, but that’s what I expected in my first session.

What are your impressions of the city so far?
It’s a vibrant place with skyscrapers everywhere and a real energy. The people are very warm and courteous everywhere you go, so it seems like it’ll be a great place for me to come and spend a bit of time. United are well supported out here so people know and remember me. A lot have come out to see me and speak to me at training and even outside the hotel, which is quite humbling.

Have you made up your mind about signing a contract?
I still have to think about it. The contract talks will be done at the end of the week, so at the minute it’s just a case of working out whether it’s feasible for me to be here, and once I’ve made that decision, I can discuss the details. At the minute it’s all good and after the game we can start talking properly.