Perry Ng, a 28-year-old English footballer currently playing as a defender for Cardiff City in Wales, has expressed a strong desire to represent Singapore in international football. Ng’s connection to Singapore stems from his paternal grandfather, James Ng, who was born in Singapore before moving to Liverpool. Recently, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) invited Ng for a familiarisation stint with the men’s national team, marking a significant step towards his dream.
Background
Ng’s interest in representing Singapore is deeply rooted in his family history. His grandfather, James Ng, moved to Liverpool out of a love for The Beatles and eventually started a business manufacturing Chinese food, which is still run by Ng’s father today. James was also instrumental in sparking Ng’s interest in football, taking him to Liverpool Football Club matches during his childhood. Despite having opportunities to play for the England national team, Ng has always felt a stronger connection to his Singaporean heritage, especially after his grandfather’s passing 12 years ago.
Inspired by his grandfather
Ng’s motivation to play for Singapore is largely inspired by his late grandfather. During a recent visit to Singapore, Ng shared a meal with his relatives at Block 511 Bedok North Street 3 Market and Food Centre, where his grandaunt runs a hawker stall. Ng fondly recalled how his grandfather’s love for football influenced his own career. “I always felt like I needed to honour my grandfather and make him proud,” Ng said. He also mentioned that his grandfather never got to see him play professional football, which adds to his desire to represent Singapore.
Wants to represent family in Singapore
Another significant motivation for Ng is his desire to represent his family members who still reside in Singapore. Around 20 of Ng’s relatives, including aunties, uncles, and cousins, live in Bedok. Ng visits Singapore annually during his off-season and makes it a point to visit the temple where his grandfather’s ashes are interred. “Playing for Singapore would mean a lot to me because of my grandfather and all my family here today who have never seen me play football live,” Ng shared.
‘Now at a good level where I can push myself’
Ng believes that now is the right time to pursue his dream of playing for Singapore. “Now I’m at a good level where I feel like I can really push myself,” he said. Ng made his professional debut at Crewe Alexandra in 2015 and joined Cardiff City in January 2021. He currently plays as a centre-back or full-back and has been named Cardiff’s player of the year for two consecutive years. His current contract with Cardiff runs until 2026.
Football-crazy since young: Mother
Ng’s mother, Lisa, recalled how football-crazy Ng was from a young age. He would ask for football jerseys and footballs as gifts and beg his father to take him to watch football games. Despite not being football fans themselves, Ng’s parents supported his passion by driving him to training and attending all his games. Ng’s father, Perry Sr., mentioned that the process of helping Ng realise his dream of playing for Singapore started about six to seven years ago. However, the journey has been delayed by citizenship and passport issues.
Related developments
Ng is currently applying for permanent residency in Singapore and is in the process of submitting the necessary documents and speaking to lawyers. His family, especially those in Singapore, eagerly await the day they can watch him play at the National Stadium as a member of the Singapore national team. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I think I might cry a little,” Lisa added. If successful, Ng will be the first heritage athlete to gain Singaporean citizenship through his late paternal grandfather.
