New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has said he has been blown away by the amount of support for the club in China.
Los Blancos were welcomed by thousands of fans as they touched down and whenever they leave their hotels for training or commercial events, the players are surrounded by fans requesting autographs and pictures.
Prior to arriving in China, the team had been in Melbourne, Australia, with many of the players speaking about how impressed they were with the fans there.
And speaking to the media ahead of the friendly against Inter Milan, Benitez said taking part on the pre-season tour has made him realise quite how big the club is on a worldwide level.
“I’m very happy with the welcome that we’ve been given here. It has been really great; we’ve been shown real affection. Real Madrid’s stature is clear to see in China too. The people on the streets are always asking us for photographs and autographs,” he said.
Looking forward to the game against his former club, Benitez stated: “We’re here to play an important game. We’re up against a very strong, important team. Playing these types of games against opponents as important as Inter Milan is an incentive for us.”
