Bayern Munich leave for tour of Indonesia, India

Munich (ANTARA News/afp) - German league and Cup champions Bayern Munich, minus players required for next month's Euro 2008, set off on a nine-day tour of Indonesia and India on Monday.

Bayern will play the Indonesian national team in Jakarta on Wednesday, and then enjoy a three-day stopover in Bali before travelling to India to play Mohun Bagan in the 120,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium in Calcutta a week on Tuesday.

The German club were initially due to visit China to play the Chinese Olympic team but the tour was cancelled by Chinese officials, Bayern said without giving any further details.

"It's a great way to end the season," said outgoing coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who will take over the reins of the Swiss national side after Euro 2008.

The Asian tour, with just 11 professional playing staff, will also be the last for captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who is to retire to become a television pundit.

"I have many fans in Asia," said Kahn, whose notoriety soared after he was elected most valuable player in the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea. (*) end