Gerrard: We're all so excited
Steven Gerrard admits the Liverpool squad cannot wait to embark on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia and meeting some of the club's most fanatical fans.
The Reds will depart John Lennon Airport later today for Indonesia, where they'll face an Indonesia XI on Saturday.
From there, Brendan Rodgers' men will visit Australia to take on Melbourne Victory on Wednesday, July 24 before wrapping up the tour in Bangkok against the Thailand national team on Sunday, July 28.
Gerrard is well aware what Liverpool's visit will mean to Kopites in that part of the globe - and he insists he and his teammates are relishing the trip.
He said: "Luckily this year we're going to Asia and Australia and that's great. I'm really looking forward to the three places we're going to be visiting and it'll be great to spend some time with our supporters over there.
"They don't get to see us in the flesh very often. I think all the players realise that we have to give something back when we're over there and spend as much time as we can with them, try to get some wins and perform well for them.
"All the lads are excited and can't wait to get over there."
Liverpool's 27-man squad for the tour contains a blend of youth and experience, and Gerrard knows he'll have an important role to play with the younger members of the travelling party.
"It's one of the roles you have as captain, not just for myself but also for all the experienced lads," he added.
"We've got a great group of young and old and we all stick together and look after each other.
"The young lads look after the oldies and the oldies look after the young'uns! We've got a great team spirit and that will continue."