Liverpool Football Club have confirmed they will play
two games in South-East Asia this summer as part of their
preparations for the 2009-10 season. <!-- END SYNOPSIS
--> <!-- START BODY -->In a tour promoted by
Strategic Sports Investment, part of the Profitable Group, Rafael
Benitez's men will face the Thailand national team in Bangkok on
July 22 before flying to Singapore to take on the national team on
July 26.
It will be the first time the Reds have visited Thailand since
2003, while their last trip to Singapore was in 2001.
Manager Rafael Benitez said: "We have a fantastic group of fans in
both Thailand and Singapore and it will be great to take the lads
out there again."
Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Commercial Director, commented: "South
East
Asia is clearly a key region for Liverpool FC. As we continue to
develop our international plans, being able to allow fans all over
the world to see the team live is paramount. We have already had
very positive feedback from our supporters clubs in the region and
the club will be working closely with them, our sponsors and other
local partners to ensure this is an exciting and memorable
tour."
Former Liverpool star Steve McMahon, Profitable Group's
Commercial
Director, added: "It is fantastic news that we are able to bring
one of the best club sides in the world to Thailand and Singapore.
It will give a real opportunity for Liverpool fans in the South
East Asian region a chance to see their heroes play up
close."
The President of the Thai Football Association, Dato Worawi Makudi
said: "Liverpool's return to the kingdom is long overdue. When they
were here last time everyone concerned with the tour had a great
experience and we are looking forward to making sure that this will
be an even better event for them this time. It's also a fantastic
opportunity for the fans to witness one of the top sides in the
Premier League, a league that is unrivaled here in Thailand. The
experience that our players will receive from this game will help
in the development of Thai football."
The General Secretary of the Football Association of Singapore,
Winston Lee commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Liverpool
back to Singapore. Many Singapore football fans are also fans of
English football and they will look forward to this opportunity to
catch one of the top club sides in the world in action against
their very own local football stars right here in our country.
Inviting teams such as Liverpool as well as Brazil and Australia
last year is part of our continued efforts to bring top class
football action to our shores. It will not only be a great
experience for our fans but our players will get exposure to
world-class teams and players."
Summer tour timetable:
22nd July 2009
Thailand National Team v Liverpool Football Club
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
8.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Bangkok is 6 hours ahead of UK
26th July 2009
Singapore National Team v Liverpool Football Club
National Stadium, Singapore
7.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Singapore is 7 hours ahead of UK
Officials from Liverpool FC, including Ian Ayre, the club's
Commercial Director, will be in Asia to officially announce the
Tour in the respective countries in the middle of May
2009.
errr....Sg still got National Stadium?
