Liverpool Asian Tour:Singapore Reporter's Blog

Liverpool in Asia

 
As I made my way out of Singapore's Changi Airport late on Sunday night, I was beginning my own new adventure: moving from England to live in Asia.
 
Many questions had crossed my mind regarding the move from being so far away from home to watching Liverpool games in the middle of the night!
 
But the first thing I saw was the passion for football from the locals, the airport was full of fans in replica jerseys from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.
 
Already the fans' passion for football has been clear for all to see ahead of Liverpool's visit to Kuala Lumpur and then onto Singapore.
 
As I write this Liverpool will be busy preparing for their game against Guangdong in China but the buzz here in the short time I've been here has been about the visit in a week's time.
 
It may only be a training session but it's a chance for the many thousands of Liverpool fans to see their heroes up close in the flesh. 
 
Many had already made plans to go to Kuala Lumpur for the game on Saturday but it's been a nice surprise to many to hear that the team are coming here for a training session.
 
It's slightly sad that Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson are not part of the travelling party but plenty of stars will still be there like Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt so it's nice to see the players come and it's great for the club's supporters here in Singapore.
 
Adding to that will be a first opportunity for many to see how our new signing Charlie Adam.
 
Just over 36 hours into my new career here in Singapore, it's clear to see football brings many together here. Liverpool and Manchester United are clearly the two biggest British teams here, with someone telling me a public screening of the clash of giants a couple of seasons ago brought together over 2,500 people when the local authorities were only expecting 500. 
 
There is a rivalry between the two sets of fans as you'd expect and surprisingly it is as intense as you'd expect in Liverpool and Manchester. The fans here understand the game, they also get more access to matches then we'd be use to at home.
 
With 3pm kick-offs still not shown live on television in the UK, foreign audiences get that privilege and every Liverpool game is a massive occasion for the Singaporean Kop.  
 
I've not yet had the chance to meet the local supporters clubs but I'm sure I'll understand the love for Liverpool even more once I get that opportunity.
 
In fact I may even get that opportunity next week when the Reds are in town with thousands in attendance to see a specially put on training session.
 
Fans will also be getting to see Kenny Dalglish at work up close. He's not just lifted the fans in Liverpool and the UK but also over here in Singapore. Hopefully he'll lift the club to where it rightfully belongs next season and in the years to come.
 
author:mayur