Liverpool farewell Australia

Liverpool departed Melbourne yesterday to continue their pre-season tour, following four days in the country which culminated in their 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory.

Liverpool departed Melbourne yesterday to continue their pre-season tour, following four days in the country which culminated in their 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory.

The Reds have travelled to Thailand where they will play the Thai national team, after their first-ever official match in Australia, which was attended by 95,446 people at the MCG.

Following the record attendance for a football match in Australia and the overwhelming support the Liverpool squad received during their stay, Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre has pledged it will not be long before the Reds are back in the country.

"We've said in various different events this week that it's taken us 120 years or so to get here, but it certainly won't take us that long to come back.

"This has proved just how big Liverpool are in this part of the world and the fans here deserve a reasonably regular visit. It's just about fitting it in with all of those other places people want us to go.

"I have to say having been on five or six of these pre-season tours over the last few years, this one has certainly been one of the most memorable - and the visit to Australia unbelievable.

"We had one of the best welcomes we've ever had anywhere in the world and I think that's testament to so many people who've done so much hard work around the tour for us - the government, the city, the state, Melbourne Victory, the venue operator.

"Everybody has been so welcoming. In terms of fans, last night was right up there in terms of memories as a Liverpool fan."

Liverpool have now landed in Bangkok for the final leg of their pre-season tour, where they have visited several times in recent years. They will play Thailand on Sunday before returning to Merseyside to continue preparations for their upcoming season.