Arsenal are a bigger draw for supporters in Singapore than Atletico Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, and generated a lot of good will in the country, according to reports in local media.
The Borneo Post write that future editions of the International Champions Cup will have to include a Premier League team, based on the way supporters responded to the three clubs participating in Singapore this year.
In terms of attendance, Arsenal drew the most supporters, with PSG a close second. 73,403 fans turned up for Arsenal’s two matches, 72,315 for PSG’s, and just 45,102 for Atletico’s.
Not only that, but the Gunners increased their popularity in the region by fully immersing themselves in the local community for the week.
Arsenal players wore shirts with numbers designed by streetwear artist Mark Ong, including images of famous local landmarks. They got involved in community events, and released the new third kit in front of the Singapore skyline. The club even brought along legends like Ray Parlour to get involved.
Such is the draw of Arsenal players in the region that the assistant referee even asked Mesut Özil for an autograph before the PSG game, in a widely-shared video on social media.
The tour might not have brought out quite as many supporters as Arsenal’s trip to Australia last year, but Singapore were certainly grateful for the club’s presence. Hopefully they won over a few new fans as well.