Spanish giants Atletico Madrid ink MOU with FAS

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Atletico Madrid want a new level of engagement to popularise their club in Asia, and their signing yesterday of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) underlines their approach to move a step further than other European clubs content with only pre-season friendlies in this region.

Flanked by the Singapore Olympic Foundation-Peter Lim Charity Cup and the Copa del Rey trophies, Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo and FAS President Zainudin Nordin penned the MOU at the Conrad Centennial yesterday.

“Football in Spain is so advanced, so it’s primarily for us to look for ways to develop Singapore football more,” said Zainudin.

“This MOU will allow us to identify young talents who will have opportunities for internships and training at Atletico, as well as in technical areas where coaches and administrators can learn from Atletico, and perhaps a two-way exchange for coaches.”

He added: “(Foreign clubs) are beginning to see that for them to build their image and brand, it’s not just about playing a game but engaging with the footballing community.”

Atletico are the first Spanish club to play a friendly in Singapore, and Chief Executive Officer Miguel Angel Gil Marin believes the trip allows the club, which turned 110 years old last month, to know more about Asia.