Chelsea
have announced plans to play a match in Japan during pre-season ahead of the
2019/20 season.
It is the first of next campaign's pre-season friendlies the Blues have
confirmed, although the venue and opposition are yet to be finalised.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "We are looking forward to visiting Japan
again and we will take the strongest squad possible to play in front of our
fans there."
Dider Drogba, the former Chelsea striker who has recently retired, is
currently in Japan as part of his work as a club ambassador.
He said: "It will be an amazing experience for the Chelsea players to play
in Japan.
"Having been here just 24 hours, I have already seen the passion football
fans here in the country have so I am sure it will be a fantastic occasion
for everybody."
Chelsea have only visited Japan on one previous occasion, when they competed
in the 2012 Club World Championship.
Rafa Benitez was the manager at the time, and he led them to the final,
where they lost to Brazilian side Corinthians.
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