BERLIN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- 2024 UEFA Euro tournament director Philipp Lahm praised the football enthusiasm of Chinese fans ahead of the European Championships.
"I hope many of our Chinese friends come and are part of the tournament. I remember the 2006 FIFA World Cup when a great number of Chinese fans were part," the 113 times capped former Bayern defender said in a recent Xinhua interview.
Lahm mentioned having witnessed the enthusiasm for sports and football in China "over the past years and this enthusiasm appears unbreakable."
The 2013 UEFA Champions League winner said football is creating ties between nations "as people get to know each other and develop an understanding of different ways of life."
Lahm encouraged Chinese fans to travel to Europe. "No matter if you got game tickets or not, come as we are setting up many public viewing sports and Euro festivals."
The official said one of his biggest desires is "nations come together, and we develop a spirit of unity."
Lahm called the Chinese supporters a vital part of the world's football family. ■
