Play against Messi or chase history at Asian Cup? Hong Kong’s Chan has chosen

“Sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi would be a dream, I do not think there would be words to describe the feeling,” Chan said. “He is one of the best players ever, and I am a Barcelona fan, so it would be amazing, and something I would tell my grandkids about.

“But I would choose still being in the Asian Cup over playing against Inter Miami. Our aim is to compete with the best nations in Asia, and stay in the tournament as long as possible. For Hong Kong, the Asian Cup is our World Cup.

“Qualifying from our group, and making history, would be huge for the development of Hong Kong football. I would be very proud, and watching Inter Miami on television would be no problem.”

Chan joined Real Union in Spain for the second half of last season but, just as he was finding his feet, he fractured one of them, ending his spell.

The versatile left-sider has recovered fitness and confidence this season, and nailed down starting spots with both Kitchee and the national team.

“I am still only 21 and not satisfied staying [in Hong Kong], especially after my experience in Spain,” Chan said. “Going outside Hong Kong is my objective, and it would be a pleasure to challenge myself in a different country.

“The national team players in the Chinese leagues are setting a good bar for Hong Kong footballers. If I play overseas, it can help further raise the standards.

“It was a long way back from surgery, and a difficult process. But I feel confident, and am always trying to improve.”

Hong Kong’s men into Asian Games football semi-finals with famous win over Iran

Chan’s Kitchee swatted aside RCFC 5-1 on Friday to maintain pressure on Lee Man at the top of the Hong Kong Premier League, but a one-sided contest only reinforced the belief that the reigning champions are hamstrung by a shortage of domestic challengers.

Head coach Kim Dong-jin’s team finish their ACL Champions League campaign against Lion City Sailors in Singapore on Wednesday, after claiming only one point from five matches. The best they can hope for next season is to play in the new ACL2, one rung beneath a reformed elite Asian club competition.

“The Champions League did not go well for us this season,” Chan said.

“We want to win every game, no matter the opposition. We cannot control what is happening with the Asian competitions – we have to focus on qualifying, then show what we can do against quality teams. We want to show our level in every match, and there is pressure from inside to be champions every season.”

A move to play in mainland China has been advanced as a means of giving leading Hong Kong clubs stiffer competition.

“I cannot say too much about that, but if the league is better, our quality would go up – and every player would have to improve to compete outside Hong Kong,” Chan said.