In an interview with New Express on September 4, Ding Haifeng recalled his turbulent career over the years. He also revealed that he basically didn't get paid much during his three years in the tournament system.
At the end of the 2017 season, Hwasha continued its "expansion". This time, Hwacha targeted Argentine international Mascherano, who had lost his place at La Liga side Barcelona, as well as R&F's left-back Jiang Zhipeng, who was seen by R&F's club, coaching staff, and fans as the best replacement for him in the same position, even though Jiang couldn't stay. As a result, Ding Haifeng was added to the transfer of Jiang Zhipeng.
Ding Haifeng is a passive party in this deal. Ding Haifeng said: "After joining Huaxia in 2016, I never wanted to leave. I really didn't want to leave. "However, there were accidents in the middle and it wasn't my idea. There are a lot of problems in there ......"
Unfortunately, in his two years at R&F, Ding Haifeng has fallen far short of expectations and R&F's record has plummeted. Even though Ding Haifeng is one of the five best players in R&F in terms of all kinds of data, Ding Haifeng is the most criticized player by R&F fans. On the contrast between data presentation and fans' attitude, Ding Haifeng said: "When you really play well enough, people naturally won't target you. If you're not playing well, no one can rely on it, it's your own problem."
Huaxia had Ding Haifeng's two-year buyback right when he moved to R&F in 2018.In 2020, Huaxia sold Jiang Zhipeng to SZFC, activating Ding's buyback right and bringing Ding back to Hebei. At this point, Ding Haifeng suddenly realized that his career was a two-year transfer; two years for Shenzhen Football, two years for Liao Football, two years for Hebei Huaxia, and two years for Guangzhou R&F...
Starting in the fall of 2021, most clubs in the Chinese Super League have defaulted on wages. Throughout the entire Chinese Super League, probably only Shanghai Harbor is left without wage arrears. The one with the worst wage arrears is Hebei. Starting in 2021, Hebei's domestic players have basically no wages. "The club staff, coaching staff and foreign aiders all have wages, only our domestic players don't have a penny." Ding Haifeng admitted it was the first time he was owed wages. "After playing for three years, not much salary has been paid."
After the Hebei team was disbanded, Ding Haifeng considered retiring. Ding Haifeng said: "I really considered not playing soccer. It was his family's discouragement that made him retract the idea of hanging up his boots. "My mom asked me what my original purpose of playing soccer was, and I couldn't forget my original purpose."
With the persuasion of his family, Ding Haifeng chose to continue his career. Before the transfer window closed, Ding Haifeng signed with Chinese A team Shijiazhuang Kung Fu. This is a team that is expected to overtake this year. In China A, Ding Haifeng played with ease, ranking first on the China A assist list with 6 assists.
Even though the attraction of the Chinese Super League is not what it used to be, Ding Haifeng still hopes to help the team by going up a flight of stairs. "It's true that I had some bad times with the Shijiazhuang fans in the past, but I'm very grateful to the fans for understanding my impulses. I will definitely repay the fans with better performances and help the team enter the Chinese Super League."
