Daniel James has revealed he is a big fan of Malaysian badminton hero Lee Chong Wei.

During an interview with Astro Supersport host Adam Carruthers, the Manchester United winger recounted his experience of almost meeting his idol, who retired from badminton earlier this year, in Singapore.

Lee, an avid Manchester United fan, was at the National Stadium in July to watch the Red Devils beat Inter Milan 1-0 in the International Champions Cup.

Great win for United and awesome atmosphere at Singapore! What a finish from Greenwood despite his tender age . Met up with legends Denis Irwin and Berbatov. No one takes a better penalty than Mr Irwin, I am serious. Hopefully next season, I can bring Mew Choo and the kids to Old Trafford as well! Ole, sign Sean Longstaff fast ! 昨晚国际冠军杯新加坡站首场比赛,"红魔"曼联Manchester United VS 国际米兰Inter Milan,就在邻国新加坡国家体育馆上演,当然要捧场! 最终由小将Greenwood攻入全场唯一进球,1比0小胜,全场一片红潮,声援不断,感觉曼联就在自家主场,看得尽兴啊! #任何体育运动我都爱 #最爱羽毛球

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"I actually signed an autograph for him. I was signing and there was a long line, so I did not really look up too much and did not realise it was him.

"I would've said hello and had a conversation with him," James said.



James went on to talk about his passion for badminton before football became his main focus.

"I love football, but I also love badminton and when I was younger I used to play quite a bit.

"I used to watch badminton all the time and [watch] Lee Chong Wei, Lin Dan, the rivalry they had... [it was] amazing.

"Lee Chong Wei was just unbelievable to watch," he added.