French Ligue 1 outfit Lille Olympique Sporting Club has launched its official Chinese website, after the team set up social media accounts including Sina Weibo, Toutiao and Zhihu several months ago.

The club has made a new international expansion plan after Gerard Lopez, who previously owned the Lotus Formula One team, became the president of Lille OSC, after his company L Holdings acquired a 95 per cent stake in the Ligue 1 team. As a result, China has become one of the club’s target markets.

As the Club Deputy CEO Marc Ingla said, Lille is pleased to share passion and joys with their supporters around the world, including China.

He stated also that he is really impressed by the country’s extraordinary sports atmosphere and huge soccer fan base, as it is on its way to become a soccer power.

Lille was founded in 1944 because of a merger between Olympique Lillois and SC Fives.

Source: 163

Proofread by William Logsdon