“Well last season we came very close and we are hopeful that we will go one better and finally win it next season,” he said.

His answer prompted rapturous cheers as hundreds more flash bulbs went off.

From there the Anfield quartet, who handed over signed shirts to be auctioned off for charity HOPE Worldwide, were whisked away to visit Adidas’s flagship store.

Only competition winners and VIPs were allowed in for another question and answer session and the chance to rub shoulders with their heroes.

Outside hundreds pressed up against the glass and shutters in the hope of grabbing another look at the stars.

Inside they waited patiently in line to get hoards of merchandise signed, shake hands with the stars and have their photos taken.

In his eagerness to embrace Spearing, one man nearly took out the display board.

But showing your colours here doesn’t come cheap.

Liverpool’s new away kit was launched to coincide with this tour and the shirt costs 2,590 baht (£47), while a special edition ‘The Kop Comes To Asia’ t-shirt will set you back 990 baht (£18).

As the smiles became a little forced amid an endless stream of questions and replica shirts an end was finally called and the quartet retreated to the relative calm of the team’s base, the luxurious Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel.

The advertising slogan that adorns the windows of Adidas’s store says “Every Team Needs The 12th Man”.

Liverpool certainly have one here and despite playing against the Thai national team they are guaranteed the lion’s share of support today.

No other club command this type of fanatical backing but it’s unlikely to be enough to convince Alonso to stay.

The only question now is whether a transfer fee can be agreed.

Either Real will have to flex their financial muscles and up their offer or Liverpool will have to lower their valuation.

If neither happens then his devoted Thai admirers may yet get their wish, but it appears that this tour will be the last they see of Alonso in a red shirt.