Liverpool set for Far East tour

Liverpool set for Far East tour

Published Apr. 7, 2011 5:31 p.m. ET

Liverpool will tour the Far East as part of their pre-season preparations with matches in China, Malaysia and South Korea.

The club have a huge fan base in the region and it links in commercially with sponsors Standard Chartered, who have major business interests in that part of the world.

Liverpool, who staged a 10-day pre-season tour of Thailand and Singapore in 2009, will take on opposition in Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur and then Seoul in July.

"Whenever we go to Asia, the fans are always amazing," said captain Steven Gerrard.

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"The supporters over there are fanatical about Liverpool and it's great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play."

Managing director Ian Ayre, who was instrumental in securing the Standard Chartered deal in his previous role as commercial director, is confident the three-game tour will be a success.

"The last one in 2009 was a real success and we're delighted that we are returning this summer after a break last year due to the World Cup," he said.

"Nothing beats watching the team live and by visiting China, Malaysia and Korea, we are allowing fans from all three countries to experience just that.

"We will work closely with our main sponsor Standard Chartered and our other partners in the region to ensure we can deliver our best ever pre-season tour."

Gavin Laws, group head of corporate affairs at Standard Chartered, added: "It is fantastic news for Liverpool FC's fans in Asia and yet another sign of the commitment of the club and Standard Chartered to the region."

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