An AC Milan superfan, Andy Yang, demonstrated the ultimate dedication by traveling all the way from Los Angeles to Hong Kong to witness his beloved team clash with Liverpool in a pre-season friendly. The match is part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025.
Yang, who grew up in China but now resides in the United States, embarked on a 24,000km round trip, showcasing his unwavering support for the Rossoneri. His three-day stay in Hong Kong was made even more memorable when he had the opportunity to meet his hero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, at the team's hotel.
Despite his passion, Yang remained realistic about AC Milan's chances against Liverpool, expressing hope that the team would avoid injuries. The match between the two European giants, who have a history of unforgettable UEFA Champions League Finals, was held at Kai Tak Stadium.
The Hong Kong Football Festival has drawn significant attention, with over 27,000 fans attending Liverpool's open training session at Kai Tak Stadium. AC Milan's training session at Hong Kong Stadium was interrupted by heavy rain, but hundreds of fans waited patiently for the downpour to ease.
Other AC Milan fans also traveled long distances to see their team. William Hong, from Nanjing but based in London, flew in to watch Milan train and attend the match against Liverpool. Quoquan Zuo, a 28-year-old banker from Shenzhen, was present to admire the club's new yellow kit.
AC Milan's manager, Massimiliano Allegri, acknowledged the challenge posed by Liverpool, recognizing the match as a crucial test for his team's attacking and defensive capabilities. He also noted that the larger Kai Tak Stadium, with its increased spectator capacity, should motivate his squad to perform strongly. Allegri said there was no jealousy over Liverpool's recent transfer spend. Midfielder Youssouf Fofana stated that he was not concerned about training in the heat at Hong Kong Stadium.
The match between Liverpool and AC Milan is one of the highlights of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025, with tickets selling out rapidly. The festival also includes a match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
