Ni hao.
If you tuned into PSG v Strasbourg or Marseille v Bordeaux over the weekend then you might been slightly confused about the kits on show.
Both PSG and Marseille had Chinese lettering on the back of their shirts. But why?
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One theory was that it was a simple nod towards the Chinese New Year, which took place on 16 February.
It’s the Year of the Dog, with celebrations taking place worldwide over the last few days.
PSG uploaded a video to their YouTube channel wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year while Marseille tweeted out something similar.
Marseille have also recently launched their official Weibo page.
Weibo is a popular social media site in China, with Man United, Man City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal all on the platform.
An official statement from the club said: “Our goal is to double our international fan base within two years, and China will play an important role in this increase.”
A more cynical theory is that this was all a drive by Ligue 1 to expand into new countries and increase revenue.
Or, in simpler terms, bring in loads of cash.
PSG and Marseille are traditional two of France’s biggest clubs, so it makes sense that they would be used by the league to increase awareness.
But we’re not cynics. When has football ever been all about the money?
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