Created on 18-07-2015 at 07:00 AM
Little Tián could hardly believe his eyes as he stared at the small stage just a metre or so in front of him. Is that really Robert Lewandowski and Rafinha? The players I see on TV? Tián’s father was just as thrilled. Dad and lad looked like they would never stop grinning, and they certainly won’t ever forget this evening at the Hotel Maximilian in Beijing, hosted by Bayern partner Paulaner – although unlike practically all the other fans, the father/son duo did not quite feel courageous enough to have a souvenir snap taken with the stars.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see how much the people in China are enjoying our visit,” Rafinha said in a brief chat with FCB stadium announcer Stephan Lehmann. Lewandowski, who is visiting China for the first time, is very impressed: “It’s a great time for all our fans in China, but also for FC Bayern as a club.”
Lewandowski and Rafinha also discussed footballing matters. Lewandowski laughed when asked if he would finish as top scorer this season: “Well, I still have space for a trophy at home.” The fans also wanted to know whether Lewy might switch to a Chinese club once he finishes playing for FCB. Grinning broadly, the player said he had yet to receive an offer.
Rafinha looked ahead to the new campaign. “We start again from scratch,” the right-back advised. This year’s target is to win more than one trophy. “Draws feel like defeats at FC Bayern. Wins are the only thing that count at this club. I’m very optimistic and hoping for a great season. Preseason has gone very, very well so far.”
adidas Urban Football Match
The first evening of the Audi Summer Tour in Beijing included appointments for many of the players and coaching staff. Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso, David Alaba, Javi Martínez and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg took part in the “Urban Football Match,” staged by FCB shareholder adidas, with the stars playing Street Soccer against local teams and testing their skills against a special LED wall before busily signing autographs.
Thiago and Mario Götze did the same at an Audi dealership in Beijing, while Philipp Lahm, Jérôme Boateng, Juan Bernat, Sebastian Rode and Mehdi Benatia took part in a magazine shoot for partner Armani. Elsewhere, Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer were guests on China’s biggest TV station CCTV and put on a terrific show. It all served to delight the club’s growing legions of fans in the world’s most populous country.