The players, coaching staff and officials all returned from the Asia Tour tired, but with many wonderful memories of their time in the Far East. "It was the correct call to come here for the tour because the people really appreciate it," said Hans-Joachim Watzke.

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Marco Reus is surrounded by fans.

The trip of over 25,000 kilometres was "the right step at the right time in order to promote the internationalisation of BVB and the Bundesliga as a whole," added Marketing Director Carsten Cramer. One and a half million spectators in the clubs' respective countries watched the matches against Kawasaki Frontale (6-0) and Johor Southern Tigers (6-1) live on television; eight hundred articles appeared in Japanese newspapers and magazines; and each day, one million Facebook contacts were registered in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.

Every place the Black and Yellows paid a visit to - whether in Japan, Singapore or Malaysia - they rode a wave of enthusiasm. CEO Watzke described the welcome extended by the people as "incredibly impressive", before then adding: "The tour has made a real impression on us."

The players were almost overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by their fans upon touching down in Tokyo and Yokohama. The Black and Yellows' triumphal procession continued later in Singapore and Malaysia. Indeed, the six-day trip became a milestone in the club's history: Borussia Dortmund presented itself at a range of events as a club with a personal touch, making a real mark on the countries they visited and the people they came across. "The people in Asia appreciate it if you approach them," Watzke said.

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Another person he approached was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international agreed to a premature contract extension until 30 June 2020. "I'm absolutely delighted that the next years of my career will be spent at Borussia Dortmund. I feel very happy at the club, in this team and in this city," he said.

On the hottest day of the year, around 80,000 people attended the family event. Temperatures of 37 degrees in the shade did not deter the fans from coming to the season opening event at the Strobelallee.

The training camp in Bad Ragaz was followed by the first competitive game, in which BVB faced Wolfsberger AK in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The first leg of the tie took place in the sold-out Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt and ended in a 1-0 victory thanks to Jonas Hofmann's winner. The result marked the start of an unexpected sporting success story, with BVB winning each of their first eleven games. But more on that later... (br)

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