The City manager, along with Jihai Sun, visited China and Bangkok as the Club announced a series of partnerships with clubs in both countries and elsewhere, as well as string of new commercial deals with companies from the region.

Eriksson and Sun's appearances in Shanghai and Bangkok saw them mobbed by press and public alike, with the Blues' boss taking part in several interviews with the local media.

Speaking on the clubs official web site, he said:" I am amazed at the reception we received, both in China and in Thailand. I knew a little bit about the interest in English football in that part of the world, but to experience it first hand was a revelation for me.

"The partnerships we announced with the various clubs around the world are very exciting, and I think they will be a benefit to everyone concerned."

Jihai Sun was unsurprisingly the focus of huge interest in both countries, and Eriksson noted:

"The way that Jihai was greeted everywhere he went also brought it home to me just how popular the game is out there, and the potential for City to get even bigger is there as well.

"I'd like to thank everyone I met for their kindness and their interest in Manchester City. It's so pleasing that the way we have started the season has made as much of an impact with our fans in Asia as at home."