Cules in Asia consider Thailand as one of your holiday destination in 2013. After settling for a Euro pre-season tour this year given that most of its players will be busy during the summer break with national duties for Euro in Poland and Ukraine, London Olympics and World Cup qualifiers in South America, Barcelona will travel to Thailand next year after signing a three-year sponsorship deal with a Thai Beverage company. Confirming the tour, club vice-president Javier Faus spoke to The Nation and said the intention was to expand the Barca’s fanbase in Asia especially South-East Asia. ”Asia is a huge opportunity for us. We now have more fans in Asia than in Europe,” he said. ”So we’ll focus on the region for the next 10-20 years.”

Elaborating on the trip, Faus added, “We’re delighted that Thailand has become the first Asian country to support us. I hope that with the deal our fanbase in Thailand will understand what Barcelona is. At a global level, we hope to contribute value back to society as well.”

ThaiBev marketing manager Sorrakit Latitham also expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to host the Spanish side. ”Chang beer and Thai people are delighted and honoured to be part of arguably the best team in the world,” he said. ”We’re not just a sponsor, we’re your partner. And, in line with our chairman’s philosophy, we believe in a long-term partnership. We’re very happy to be part of your set-up and we hope that you will accept us as a member of your family too. We hope one day to be able to return the hospitality when you visit our country.”

Source: Soccerway; Image credit: Diver & Aguilar