Bayern Munich Sporting Director Salihamidzic thrilled by fans in Asia

Newly appointed Bayern Munich Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic has expressed his amazement at the enthusiasm displayed by fans in Asia. 

Salihamidzic, who has won six Bundesliga titles with Bayern during his playing career, was confirmed in the role on Monday as the club wound up their pre-season tour to Asia in Singapore. 

As part of which, Salihamidzic attended the International Fanclub Tournament at Singapore Cricket Club which featured fan clubs from nine different countries. The 40-year-old was effusive in his praise of the fans who participated in the event. 

"It’s a great event because we have fan clubs from nine different clubs here," he told Goal. "It’s amazing to see the fan clubs of Bayern Munich. 

"It’s a pleasure to be here of course." 

Bayern Munich's pre-season tour included stops in China and Singapore, where they played Arsenal, AC Milan, Chelsea and Inter Milan as part of the International Champions Cup and were met with fanfare everywhere. 

Salihamidzic acknowledged the love and affection fans in Asia have shown towards them and expressed, "It’s great for us. If we come to Asia, people are waiting at the airport with new jerseys or they are watching the training. 

"They are unbelievably enthusiastic. I am always surprised if I come to Asia, to Singapore or China because the people are unbelievably nice to us."