Arsenal lock in 2017 Sydney dates

Sports
By AFP | Apr 30, 2016

Arsenal on Saturday confirmed two 2017 pre-season friendlies in Sydney, continuing the growing trend of top clubs choosing Australia as a warm-up destination.

The Gunners will play A-League side Sydney FC on July 13 next year at ANZ Stadium and Western Sydney Wanderers two days later at the same venue.

"Our pre-season matches enable the squad to complete final preparations ahead of a new campaign, and Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers will provide a strong test for the team," Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said in a statement on both clubs' websites.

"The trip also gives our travelling squad a wonderful opportunity to see our loyal supporters in a country so passionate about football."

Arsenal last visited Sydney in 1977, well before long-time manager Arsene Wenger's days, losing 3-1 to an Australian XI.

They follow in the footsteps of a string of clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid which have visited Australia in recent years.

Share this story
How broken league is derailing Kenya Lionesses' future
Kenya is currently ranked 20th in the World Rugby women's table, with poor planning, players' welfare and lack of sponsors and frustrations clouding the women's side.
Adak wants media to report doping issues with precision
Although the subject is scientifically complex, legally sensitive, and reputationally explosive, the anti-doping body feels journalists have a key role to play.
Liverpool boss Slot says Salah victim of 'his own standards'
Salah may be experiencing the worst goal drought of his Premier League career but Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes the Egypt striker is paying the price for his own high standards.
Real Madrid face Man City, PSG draw Chelsea in Champions League last 16
Real Madrid and Manchester City will face off in a Champions League knockout tie for the fifth season running after being drawn to play each other in the last 16
Arsenal face Chelsea title test, troubled Spurs in spotlight
Premier League leaders Arsenal face a title test from London rivals Chelsea on Sunday. Manchester City can keep the pressure on Arsenal with a win at Leeds
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS