“He Loved Roti Canai” — Ex-National Player Recalls Football Legend Kevin Keegan’s 1984 Malaysia Visit

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When English football icon Kevin Keegan died on Monday, 20 July, former Malaysian international player Azlan Johar did not just remember a two-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Instead, he remembered a remarkably humble mentor who fell in love with local hawker food.

In 1984, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) invited Keegan to mentor and play for Harimau Malaysia during the Merdeka Tournament.

Azlan, who was just 21 at the time, quickly developed a close bond with the then-33-year-old superstar while staying at the Federal Hotel.

"When he came to training, I introduced myself as Alan. He laughed and said it was easy to remember," Azlan recalled to the New Straits Times, noting how Keegan's warmth quickly put the young national squad at ease.

Keegan made his name playing for Liverpool, Hamburger SV, Southampton, and Newcastle United. He later managed Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City, and the England national team.

Eager to experience local life, Keegan turned to Azlan to show him around Kuala Lumpur after training sessions

The pair headed to an open-air hawker centre along Jalan Benteng for an afternoon snack.

"One day after training, he asked me to come to his room and take him somewhere in Malaysia. I brought him to Jalan Benteng, which was an open-air hawker centre in the 1980s. We had iced tea and roti canai," Azlan shared.

"After that, he always ordered iced tea. I guess the English were accustomed to only hot tea in their country," he added, fondly recalling how the former Liverpool star embraced local culture.

Beyond sharing meals, Keegan offered invaluable career advice

He also gifted Azlan several pairs of boots before leaving Malaysia, demonstrating remarkable generosity.

Azlan admitted that his biggest regret was losing touch over the years, but his memories of 'King Kevin' remain deeply cherished.