Nicolas Anelka’s move to Shanghai Shenhua has created an amazing futbol craze across Asia! The man responsible for spearheading Anelka’s move from Chelsea was Shanghai Shenghua’s chairman, Wang Jun, who believed Anelka’s inclusion would raise the futbol standard in the country. Well, I believe so!
Still remember many years back when David Beckham abandoned European futbol for the North American’s, namely LA Galaxy? Beckham’s involvement in MLS helped raise fan attendance, television ratings, jersey sales and the overall profit of MLS. The impact was huge. Instantly, MLS had the entire world’s attention.
These were not the only examples which created a futbol craze in Asia. Japanese’s futbol once hosted the services of former England’s Gary Lineker (Nagoya Grampus Eight), Denmark’s Michael Laudrup (Vissel Kobe), Brazil World Cup winners’ Zico , Jorginho, Bebeto (Kashima Antlers), Dunga (Jubilo Iwata), Sweden’s Fredrik Ljungberg (Shimizu S-Pulse) and even former African Player of the Year, Cameroon’s Patrick Mboma (Gamba Osaka).
Personally, I am opening both of my arms wide to welcome European big names to Asia! Some of them might have passed their prime but their experience of playing at the highest level is something which the local chaps can benefit from! By training and playing with the big names day in day out, undoubtedly the standard of the team or probably the local league will be improved!
Whatever can raise the standard of Asian futbol or create a positive hype on Asia futbol is always welcome. J-League started the trend of attracting the big names to Asia in the nineties. Now China Super League is leading the trend, who knows, from East Asia, the trend could be moving to South East Asia! Personally, I am hopping Singapore’s S-League could be doing the same too.
photo from fifa.com
5 thoughts on “Welcome To Asia”