The Andalusian outfit is set to visit the Middle Kingdom in the season’s break as they revealed their plans after the culmination of the 2011/12 campaign.
After a two year hiatus from Spanish top flight football, Real Betis returned with a bang. The once formidable outfit is living in the shadows of its former glory. However, Pep Mel’s charges achievement of staving off relegation is a feat to behold itself.
With a match remaining until the culmination of the domestic 2011/12 campaign, the ambitious club are already looking forward to their next evolutionary step. Los Beticos are looking to enhance their brand in Asia and will start acting on their programs
in the summer break.
It was announced that the Seville-based team will travel to China for pre-season friendlies from July 8-22. Real Betis will play games in Nanning and Shenzhen during their tour. They will take on the challenge of English Premier League team Fulham and Chinese
second tier club, Shenzhen Ruby.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/China-c8926 in the off-season last year.
Real Betis president, Miguel Guillen, echoed the sentiments and believes the club can gain a lot from the 14 day visit. However, he added that the club is not travelling for the sole purpose of monetary gain.
Guillen revealed that Betis are looking to establish a three-fold relationship with China, which takes into account sporting, economic and educational ties.
"This is a very important step forward for us, not just from an economic point of view, but also from a question of marketing and communication and in getting our name known in Asia," Guillen was quoted on Real Betis’ official website.
"We've been welcomed with open arms by a country with 1.4 billion people. Our project in Asia is medium to long term and Betis is opening up to Asia with a sporting, economic and educational project.”
"This is much more than going to play a friendly game. Both the governor and the organiser have received Real Betis with maximum honour."
Real Betis go into the last round of fixtures in 12th place, and can rise up to 9th place if results of other fixtures work in their favour.
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