For the second time in three years Liverpool FC travelled to the other side of the world for their summer tour – and once again the reception was fantastic.
For the second time in three years Liverpool FC travelled to the other side of the world for their summer tour – and once again the reception was fantastic.
The Club visited Thailand, Australia and Malaysia, playing four matches in the process, engaging with thousands of Reds fans and reaching out to communities from Bangkok to Brisbane to Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur. On the pitch there were debuts for several of the new signings, with James Milner and Danny Ings off the goalscoring mark and Divok Origi impressing in his first appearances. Another youngster, Jordon Ibe, netted with a stunning strike in Malaysia.
Off-the-field highlights included: a spot of sky-diving for Robbie Fowler as the New Balance all-white away kit was launched; skipper Jordan Henderson trying his hand at the didgeridoo; Mamadou Sakho meeting a koala bear; Luis Garcia making a jug of sangria; plus guest appearances by ex-Reds midfielder Didi Hamann, 1980s Aussie ace Craig Johnston, and marksman supreme Ian Rush. Among the many community projects undertaken, Rushie and 'Skippy' joined current first-teamers Sakho and Albert Moreno to deliver Liverpool FC Foundation coaching clinics to blind pupils and disadvantaged youngsters at the Adelaide Shores Football Centre in South Australia.
Not forgetting, wherever the LFC roadshow roamed, a breathtaking gallery of brilliant flags and banners – and some awesome renditions of YNWA. Proof once again that this truly is the world's greatest football family.