Manchester City boss Sven-Goran
Eriksson says his trip to Asia last week was a revelation and he
sees huge potential for the club to expand in the region.
The former England coach visited Shanghai and Bangkok, announcing a
series of partnerships with clubs and training academies in China
and Thailand.
A string of new commercial deals were also signed with companies
from the region.
"I am amazed at the reception we received, both in China and in
Thailand," he said on the club website, monitored here.
"I knew a little bit about the interest in English football in that
part of the world, but to experience it first hand was a revelation
for me.
"The partnerships we announced with the various clubs around the
world are very exciting, and I think they will be a benefit to
everyone concerned."
During the trip, Eriksson and club chairman Thaksin Shinawatra, the
ousted Thai premier, also announced the signing of Thai fullback
Suree Sukha, centreback Kiatpravut Saiwaew and striker Thirasilp
Dangda.
The club wants to promote itself in a part of the world where
disposable incomes are on the rise and the English Premier League
is hugely popular.
Accompanying Eriksson to Shanghai was Chinese international Sun
Jihai, and they were mobbed wherever they went.
"The way that Jihai was greeted everywhere he went also brought it
home to me just how popular the game is in Asia, and the potential
for City to get even bigger is there as well," said Eriksson.
"It's so pleasing that the way we have started the season has made
as much of an impact with our fans in Asia as at home."
