Nasser Al-Khelaifi speaks of pride for club's growth in China

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The Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO has reflected on the club's growing engagement with fans in Asia.

Speaking ahead of the team's arrival in Shenzhen, Al-Khelaifi described his excitement to bring the club back to China:

"For the third time in six years, our football team, which includes several world-renowned players, is coming to train and compete on Chinese soil. This country has proven lucky for us so far, since we have won two Trophée des Champions titles here, in 2014 and 2018. Another victory in this competition in 2019 would constitute the Club’s 40th major trophy, and would make the road to Paris Saint-Germain’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2020 all the more glorious. We will have the pleasure of hosting a number of our Chinese friends in Paris for this historic event."

Of the three million fans now engaged with the club's digital platforms, the Chairman and CEO said:

"The number of PSG supporters in China increases year by year, rewarding the club and its staff for their hard work. Everyone at the club is proud to witness the enthusiasm shown by the fantastic community of Chinese fans..."

"Nurturing a close relationship with the most-populated country on the planet, whose passion for football is every-growing, is an important priority in our eyes."

The Rouge et Bleu squad arrived in China early this morning, with the players excited to get started on their tour preparations. The team enjoyed an open training session in front of fans in the build up to their first game of the Asian visit against Inter Milan on Saturday 27th July. Whilst the players and management turned their focus towards on-pitch matters, Nasser Al-Khelaifi was looking at the bigger picture of the upcoming fortnight in Asia:

"Over the two weeks, we will have the opportunity to demonstrate everything that PSG can offer to Chinese football fans and, more generally, to football fans worldwide. This trip will be a key step in consolidating the global reputation of the Club, which is now firmly established as one of the sporting world’s most iconic brands. In 2019-2020, we are going to continue nurturing the bonds we have with our fans, wherever they may live. It is during our trip to China that this important ambition will really take off."