English Premier League sides Leicester City and Everton have promised to entertain fans here when they meet in a friendly match in Bangkok tomorrow.
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson, seated second left, and his Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez, seated second right, at yesterday’s press conference. PHOTO: Somchai Poomlard
The match at Supachalasai Stadium kicks off at 6pm and is part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Leicester’s parent company King Power.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez and his men, including England stars Ross Barkley and Gareth Barry, arrived in Bangkok yesterday.
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson, whose team arrived a day earlier, told a press conference that tomorrow’s match would be a good test for his men who will face Everton in their EPL season opener at King Power Stadium next month.
"We know very well that Everton are a good team and we are looking forward to meeting them on Sunday,’’ Pearson said.
“I think it will be a good game and both sides will know each other better before our season opener.
“It has been a long time since our team last played in the Premier League 10 years ago. With support of King Power, we have been able to return to the Premier League. I am delighted to be part of this friendly match to celebrate King Power’s 25th anniversary. We are ready to play Everton here.”
Pearson added: “I am very happy to be here again for the second time this year. Actually, for me, this is my fourth time in Bangkok.’’
Pearson and his players visited Thailand in May to celebrate winning the Championship.
Foxes captain Wes Morgan said: “We are very excited to be here again. The match with Everton will be a big game before the season starts.’’
Everton boss Martinez said: "Sunday’s match will be an important match for us as we both want to win. I promise that we will play with our best performance and we will play attacking football from the start to entertain Thai fans."
Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said he hoped the match would make fans happy.
"I believe the two teams will do their very best," he said.
Today, Leicester players will attend the opening ceremony of the club’s first fan store at BTS Siam station at 4pm, and then meet fans at Army Stadium at 5pm.
Tickets starting from 500 baht are available at Thai Ticket Major, call 02-262-3456 or visit www.thaiticketmajor.com.