Arsene Wenger will take Arsenal to play Hong Kong Champions Kitchee FC at the HK Stadium on Sunday, July 29, as part of the club’s Asia Tour 2012.
The club says the game will give the Gunners’ huge fan base in Hong Kong the opportunity to see AW’s team play live ahead of the 2012/2013 season.
The team will be travelling to Hong Kong from China, where they will be playing in Beijing on Friday, July 27.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “It’s great that Arsenal Football Club is visiting Hong Kong again after 17 years. We have many followers in Hong Kong and it’s wonderful that these special fans will have an opportunity to see the first-team live in action. The match will follow on from our visit to Beijing, where we play Manchester City in the Bird’s Nest, and is another indication of Arsenal’s commitment to Asia.
“We’re all looking forward to visiting Hong Kong and playing Kitchee will provide the team with good preparation ahead of the 2012/13 season.”
Ticket details and travel options for supporters wishing to attend the matches in Hong Kong and Beijing will feature soon on Arsenal.com, together with any further developments and news regarding Arsenal’s summer pre-season schedule.
A third match in the Nigerian capital Abuja could be added to the tour in the future but security may be an issue after the recent troubles there.
Also heard a whisper that we are playing Southampton at St Marys as part of the deal that took the Oxo Kid to the Emirates.
CARL ELDRIDGE Follow me on Twitter @eldomedia