China News Agency, Paris, January 31 (Reporter Li Yang) The French Professional Football League ushered in "China Day" again.

The Chinese Embassy in France and the French Auxerre Football Club jointly held the "China Day" event on the 29th local time to celebrate the Spring Festival of the Year of the Rabbit.

　　The main venue of the Ligue 1 "China Day" is the Abbe Deschamps Stadium in Auxerre, a city in central France.

The reporter saw at the scene that there was a sign in the stands of the stadium that read "The tiger bids farewell to the new year, and the rabbit leaps to a new journey. The AJ Club and the Chinese Embassy in France wish the fans and friends a happy new year in 2023 and a great show!" slogan.

　　Before the start of the game, a dragon and lion dance performance was held outside the stadium, attracting a large number of fans to stop and watch.

Many organizations also set up booths outside the stadium to introduce Chinese culture such as gourmet tourism.

Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye and Auxerre Football Club Executive Chairman Malhebert jointly finished the eyes of the colorful lion.

　　Afterwards, Lu Shaye came to the stadium to be interviewed by reporters.

He said that using sports to connect the people of China and France is a very effective bond.

In the current international context, cultural exchanges and emotional communication between countries and people should be strengthened to enhance friendship.

　　Lu Shaye said that combining French football culture with Chinese Spring Festival culture has been held for many years. He participated in many related activities in Paris a few years ago and felt very meaningful.

He hopes that relevant activities can continue to play an active role in promoting the development of Sino-French relations.

　　In the 20th round of Ligue 1, Auxerre played against Montpellier at home, and Lu Shaye was invited to kick off the match.

Hundreds of overseas Chinese also came to watch the game.

Although Auxerre continued to attack, they failed to score.

In the end, Auxerre lost 0:2 to Montpellier.

　　In addition, in the Paris Saint-Germain match against Reims on the 29th, Paris Saint-Germain players also wore team uniforms with Chinese names to participate in the match, including famous stars Messi, Mbappé, Neymar, etc. Chinese fans sent New Year wishes.

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