by Lewis Ambrose
Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is looking forward to the club’s latest trip to Asia.
Arsenal are off to Singapore to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy, which will see them play two matches as preparations go to the next level ahead of the new season. The club has travelled to Asia for tours during pre-season in 2012 and 2013, but didn’t follow up the visit last season, instead playing in America.
Now the club will return to Asia for the third time in four years, and the England international can’t wait to see more fanatical support.
“Every time we’ve been to Asia the support has been amazing,” said the Arsenal midfielder.
“It never fails to surprise you, even if you’ve seen it before in another Asian country, the support when you go.
“You see that fanatical support, sometimes for you personally and sometimes for the club and it really does take you by surprise.”
The midfielder played 37 times for Arsenal last season, but his campaign was once again frustratingly damaged by an injury in March when he was at the top of his game. He did return to have a cameo in the FA Cup Final, assisting Olivier Giroud as he netted Arsenal’s fourth and final goal at Wembley.
Arsenal will have an open training session in front of fans as well as playing two matches before heading back to London.
“Hopefully, the people will give us a nice welcome and then when we’re there we can put on a nice show for them as well,” Oxlade-Chamberlain added.
I’m sure we will.