"Cordula Grün" was blaring out over the speakers of the Paulaner Bräuhaus, the buzz of voices mixing with the clinking of beer steins as fans toasted each other, and there was a smell of bratwurst and sauerkraut in the air: Wiesn atmosphere in the middle of Singapore, in subtropical conditions. In this climate, the two FCB legends Giovane Élber and Claudio Pizarro worked tirelessly signing autographs - more than 300 fans from Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, Taiwan and even Australia stood patiently in line together with supporters who had travelled from Germany.
This event showed once again what FC Bayern is all about, said executive vice-chairman Dr Michael Diederich, who had tapped a barrel at the beginning so the event started off with "O'zapft is", just like at the Oktoberfest. "We take our 'Mia san Mia' out into the world, and today fans from Germany and many different countries in this region are getting together here - growing together, through football, through the common passion for FC Bayern." The German record champions have their roots in Munich, that is clear, said Professor Dr Dieter Mayer, but the senior vice-president continued: "It's simply not possible for all fans to fly once around the world to visit us at the Allianz Arena - so we come to them."
The Paulaner Bräuhaus was decked out in style: red and white balloons swirled around the maypole growing into the ceiling in the middle of the Wirtssaal. You were able to feel right at home - and you got a sense of what makes Bayern special. Giovane Élber reminisced about 2017, the last time he was in Singapore with the German record champions: "Even then, there were many FC Bayern fans there - but when I look around now, it's incredible how big our family has become."
At the Masskrugstemmen (beer stein lifting), the Brazilian fought bravely against a lively mix of fans, and at the end the winner was presented with a new Jamal Musiala away jersey by Professor Mayer. Claudio Pizarro wrapped up the event by calling out to everyone: "Prost - enjoy the night!" A salute to the fans in German and English, uniting the nations, which was greeted by much applause and chants of "Super Bayern, super Bayern". Dr Michael Diederich: "Building a bridge between our cultures has visibly succeeded on this tour."
FC Bayern wrap up the Audi Summer Tour with a friendly against Liverpool on Wednesday:
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