-How are you feeling at the moment after a remarkable season, scoring three goals in four rounds of fixtures and now sitting alongside a host of good players in the top scorer's table?
new season
The Chinese League One has just begun, and I have not paid much attention to my personal stats in the four matches I've played. Only when the season is over will I get a place on the top scorer list, and then I will be happy. As for scoring three goals in four games, first of all, I have to thank the coaching team for their careful guidance and my teammates for their selfless support. As a member of the team, my outstanding play cannot be separated from the help and trust of everyone, and in this team, I can realize my true strength.
-- As a 31-year-old who has had such a great start to the league season this year, did you put in the hard work in winter and spring training?
In today's soccer world, although stars such as Benzema, Modric and Crowe are over 30, they can continue or even improve their form as long as they do their part on and off the field, such as diet, work and rest, and training. The league season ended at the end of December last year, with a three-month break. The team started to train intensively at the end of March, and during that time I did extra training almost every day, both physically and technically. I think this is the basic duty of a professional player.
--You played alongside Mane at Metz, and now that he's successful, he mentioned you in a recent interview, calling you one of the best players he met in his youth and one of the best ball-handlers he's ever seen. How do you feel about that?
Mane is a former teammate and close friend of mine, we grew up together. It's only natural that he would speak of me in such a way, as a compliment from an old friend. In fact, we had a great group of Metz players, and I don't think I was the smartest of them all, nor did I necessarily have the highest level of ball control. Now that he has joined a new top club (meaning Bayern) and is playing in a new league and platform, I wish him all the best and believe that he will be able to navigate his new environment with his character and strength!
-On the subject of frequent injuries in the past, have you ever wondered if your career would have reached the heights of former Metz teammates such as Mane and Pjanic if there had been no injuries? Have there been any regrets?
I thought that if I suffered one serious injury, it might not affect my career too much. However, I have suffered many serious injuries over and over again, and each time I have been re-injured when I was almost recovered and in good shape. At one time, my family and I were worried that I might not be able to continue my career, but I didn't think I would be able to hold on until now. So, for me, to be able to continue playing soccer is a reward in itself, and I will cherish every game and enjoy every day's training.
--From winning the Silver Ball at the age of 13 in the French U14 Salon Cup, hailed as a rare talent; to nearly ending his career early due to injury; to returning to our league to start from scratch, and once again finding his former form this season ...... What was your journey like? What's your journey like?
Through the ups and downs, I appreciate the present more. I have also become calmer and no longer suffer from any loss or gain. I believe that no matter what kind of ups and downs you go through, as long as you face them with a positive mindset, you will be able to gain something, and this gain will be very beneficial to your future life.
new season
outlook
In the new season, our goal is to enter the first tier of the league. I personally want to contribute more goals and assists to help the team. This year, our tactics and the team's positioning of me are very different from last year. Last year, the team was mainly based on defense, and I played a lot of defense in the midfield. This year, there may be more space in the offense. In order to achieve the team's goal, I expect to contribute more goals and assists this season!
