RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – AC Milan’s visit to Jakarta for a preseason clash against Chelsea is being framed not only as a celebration for fans but also as recognition of Indonesia’s growing role in global football culture.

Coach Ruben Amorim underlined the importance of Indonesia in Milan’s international outreach. “I know that Milan’s fan base here is one of the largest in the world. We want to give back for all the support they have shown us,” he said during a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Senayan, Central Jakarta on Friday, August 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The match, scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. local time, is part of Milan’s 2026/2027 preseason tour, which earlier included a fixture against Inter Milan in Perth, Australia. For Amorim, Jakarta represents more than a stop on the calendar -- it is a chance to connect directly with Indonesian supporters who have long followed the club from afar.

“I know it is always a celebration when Milan plays, and we want to deliver our best performance as appreciation to the fans here,” he added.

Amorim also linked the event to Indonesia’s football development. He stressed that exposure to matches featuring European giants can inspire young Indonesians to pursue the sport seriously.

“Football grows when many young people want to play, and when good coaches at every level teach the game the right way. The secret is passion and quality coaching,” he concluded.

For Indonesia, hosting Milan and Chelsea at the nation’s largest stadium is more than entertainment -- it is an opportunity to showcase its football enthusiasm, strengthen its reputation as a destination for major sporting events, and encourage investment in youth football development, coaching standards, and international football exposure. ***