Wenger happy with popularity in Asia

YIWU, Zhejiang province - Despite ending its taxing Asia tour over the weekend with a struggling tie in pouring rain, Premier League club Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger, still hailed the seven-day trip a "huge success".

"Although we couldn't seal a victory tonight, we witnessed how much Arsenal are loved in Asia and how much the Premier League has penetrated here. It's a hugely successful visit for us," Wenger said after his squad was held 1-1 by Chinese Super League (CSL) club, Hangzhou Greentown, at Yiwu Meihu stadium in the final match of its Asian adventure last Saturday.

"In China and Malaysia we are starting to become really popular so that is a positive sign," said Wenger, who led the Gunners to a stunning 4-0 victory over the Malaysia XI on its first stop of the pre-season journey last Wednesday. "There is a big potential fan base here and we have had a good experience as a team together."