Fans flock to Kai Tak to see Liverpool play AC Milan

Fans flock to Kai Tak to see Liverpool play AC Milan

Fans of both AC Milan and Liverpool gathered to watch their heroes play in a pre-season friendly. Photo: RTHK

The Hong Kong Football Festival kicked off to much fanfare on Saturday, as thousands of fans poured into Kai Tak Stadium to witness English champions Liverpool and AC Milan of Italy clash in a highly-anticipated pre-season friendly.

Supporters of both teams braved the heat to arrive at the venue early, with many queuing up well before the scheduled 7.30 pm kick off.

The stadium quickly become a sea of red, as spectators made their way to the stands donning the iconic red colours of both squads.

One fan, surnamed Zhu, told RTHK he made the journey all the way from Zhejiang province to witness his long-time favourite club Liverpool take to the pitch.

"I would say it was really good, it was a really fun trip," he said.

"I think it' really good to be here in Hong Kong. Although I've been to Hong Kong three or four times, it's still really fun to be here and meet people from different cultural backgrounds. I think it's really good," he added.

"Most importantly, I'm here to support Liverpool. I think it's a really good opportunity for fans like us in East Asia because football is a sport that is rooted in Europe -- so it's a good opportunity for [fans here in] East Asia."

Zhu also shared his thoughts on the Kai Tak Stadium, which he was was visiting for the first time.

"I think the stadium is really amazing, the atmosphere is really amazing. You can see the players really clearly, and you can make very direct interactions with them [the players] and other fans and supporters as well."

A fan from Hong Kong, named Zico, said he was looking forward to witnessing Liverpool's new off-season signings in action against AC Milan.

He said he managed to catch the English side on their previous visit to the SAR eight years ago at Hong Kong Stadium, but was excited to mark his first visit to the Kai Tak Stadium by having the chance to see them once again.

"Eight years ago, they came here and I was also there [at the Hong Kong Stadium]," he said.

"I want to see the new [Liverpool] players, like [Florian] Witz and [Milos] Kerkez."

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