Zhang Yudong of Shenzhen Xinpengcheng, a player who was born and grew up in Shanghai and started his soccer career here, recently shared his soccer journey, his move to Shenzhen and his outlook and challenges for the new season in an official interview with the club.
Soccer Enlightenment and Career Path
Talking about how he embarked on the path of soccer, Zhang Yudong said that he was not immersed in the world of soccer since he was a child, and he did not come into contact with soccer for the first time until the first grade of elementary school. Fortunately, Shanghai's soccer youth training system provided a good environment for him to grow up. "The popularity of soccer youth training in Shanghai is very high, and I slowly fell in love with the sport when my school teachers realized I had potential." From the school team to the Chongming Genbao soccer base, Zhang Yudong experienced the transformation from amateur to professional, and eventually embarked on the road of professional soccer.
Courage and Choice: Join Shenzhen New Pengcheng
Leaving his familiar hometown and team to join Shenzhen New Pengcheng was a brave attempt for Zhang Yudong. He confessed that after Shenxin's relegation and facing a crossroads in his career, he chose to challenge himself by joining Kunshan FC and eventually representing Shenzhen Xinpengcheng in the Chinese Super League. "I need to live and I need more opportunities to play to improve myself." This courage to pursue his dreams has allowed him to move forward in his career.
Central League to Super League: Gaps and Challenges
Zhang Yudong has a deep understanding of the transition from the Central League to the Chinese Super League. "There is a fundamental difference between the intensity of the game and the quality of the players in the Chinese Super League and the Chinese League One. This gap is much bigger than I imagined." He emphasized that it is only through actual matches that one can truly feel the pressures and challenges brought about by this gap. However, it is these challenges that motivate him to train harder and improve himself.
The Power of Teams: Coming Together Out of the Woods
After the break, the Shenzhen New Pengcheng team gradually found their way back to the state and improved their performance. Zhang Yudong said that this is inseparable from the joint efforts of the whole team. "As a Chinese Super League newcomer, we are facing a lot of difficulties, but as long as we are united and well-prepared, we will be able to overcome them." He emphasized that the interests of the team are always higher than individuals, and he will work hard with his teammates to contribute to the team's victory.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Vice-Captain
As the team's co-captain and one of the players who has played the most minutes so far in the season, Zhang Yudong is well aware of the great responsibility he shoulders. "I position myself as a player who serves the whole team." He said that he will be strict with himself and do his best, both on and off the field. At the same time, he will do his best to help the team get out of the predicament and achieve better results.
Looking to the future: confidence and conviction
Looking ahead, Zhang Yudong is confident. "There will be many more challenges for us this season, but I believe that as long as we believe that we can do it, then we definitely can." He encourages fans and teammates to keep their faith and believe in themselves and their team. In his journey to the new Pengcheng in Shenzhen, Zhang Yudong will continue to fight for his team's victory with perseverance and strong faith.
