Asia a revelation, says Eriksson
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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." -
Correction Erikksson... you were mobbed .... becuz....
they just wanted to have a good look at the 'man' who fuked up BIG TIME infront of an undercover reporter posing as a rich Ali Baba..