By Josh James
After three matches, three training sessions, 16,451 air miles, 35 fan and media events, and countless autographs - the 2012 Arsenal Tour, presented by Emirates, is over.
The team set foot back on English soil early on Monday morning, completing an incredible eight-day journey which culminated in a 2-2 draw with Kitchee FC in the picturesque surroundings of the Hong Kong Stadium.
The Gunners twice fell behind to a fired-up Kitchee side, but drew level with goals from Theo Walcott and Thomas Eisfeld. The young German had also scored Arsenal's first goal of the tour - back on July 24 in Kuala Lumpur - and found the net regularly during the training matches too. So much happened in between those two games.
The final day in Hong Kong was all about the match though, and the players had the morning to enjoy the luxurious Harbour Grand hotel, and take in the views of the city from the roof-top pool.
The players were greeted like Hollywood stars everywhere they went in Hong Kong, though they had competition from the real thing in the Harbour Grand - Keanu Reeves was also a guest in the hotel at the same time, creating even more sense of excitement among the waiting autograph hunters.
There was no doubt who the main object of their desires were however. The bustling streets of Hong Kong were awash with Arsenal shirts in the build up to kick-off, and the sell-out crowd in the stadium launched into a full repertoire of chants from the moment they saw the players warming up.
It made for a fantastic atmosphere, and ensured that the players made the 12-hour flight back to London suitably tired, but with only happy memories of an unforgettable trip.
TOUR BLOG ARCHIVE:
- Day Seven - Hong Kong
- Day Six - Bird's Nest
- Day Five - Meeting the fans
- Day Four - Beijing
- Day Three - Game day
- Day Two - Batu Caves
- Day One - Kuala Lumpur
