At about 9:30 p.m. on the evening of May 19, after bouncing back to the domestic Wu Lei, after completing the test and isolation, in a "closed bubble type" special way was placed to China's men's football preparations for the World Preliminary League 40 strong match hotel, and coaching the national football team Li Tie reunion.
Tracing back to March 30, 2019, Wu Lei realized another leap in his personal soccer career, making his debut as a La Liga player in the Catalan derby. Even if that game ended in a loss, many Chinese fans still can't help but feel, "Messi, Wu Lei, you've really come a long way to be able to stand in front of you!"
On May 18, 2021, Wu Lei's flight landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a full 579 days since his last return. This time, he once again embarked on a journey as a member of the national soccer team, once again appearing in the vision of Chinese fans.
Shangguan News reviewed the important events after Wu Lei's return to China, exploring how long the "only college student in the village" has traveled to show his style to soccer fans in his hometown.
First try at La Liga
-- Time: January 28, 2019
At the beginning of 2019, Wu Lei represented the national football team to play in the Asian Cup, and despite the shoulder injury, he still insisted on fighting with the injury and helped the team to advance smoothly. On January 28 of the same year, he officially transferred from Shanghai SIPG to La Liga club Espanyol.
Due to the intensity of the tournament, Wu Lei took conservative treatment for his injury, but still scored three goals and had an assist in the second half of La Liga to help his team advance to the UEFA Cup.
lit. teacher's kindness is unforgettable (idiom); the kindness of a teacher is unforgettable
-- Time: June 15, 2019
After a wonderful La Liga season, as the only Chinese player in Europe's top five leagues, Wu Lei, in the first hour after returning to Shanghai, took his wife and a pair of children to the Genbao soccer base on Chongming Island to visit his mentor Xu Genbao.
After returning from vacation, Wu Lei did not expect, affected by the epidemic, again back to the country actually need to wait a long 579 days.
Goal Barcelona
-- Time: January 5, 2020
Compared to the first season of the smooth, Wu Lei stayed in the "second year career", the team's coach frequent changes, performance fluctuations. Wu Lei's performance in La Liga was intermittent, constantly adapting to the requirements of the new coach.
The highlight of this season is that Wu Lei broke through Barcelona's goal in the Catalan derby and equalized the score for his team. This goal fully demonstrated Wu Lei's speed and good running characteristics.
Victory over the new crown
-- Time: March 2020
On March 21, 2020, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) confirmed that Wu Lei, who plays for La Liga club Espanyol, was diagnosed with the new coronavirus. Wu Lei then posted a video on his personal social media, stating that he was in quarantine at his home in Spain, and that he was in good physical condition, with his symptoms basically disappearing.
Wu Lei also revealed in Wu Lei weekly journal, his wife also infected with the new crown. He said: "Look at the accompaniment of my wife is still some symptoms, we experienced, can be said to be the life so far the most difficult time, before going abroad which will think of the road to stay in the ocean will experience this test of life, human beings in the face of nature is so small, compared to the rankings of the winners and losers on the soccer field is so insignificant, wait until the day of the reopening of the game, I want to I'm going to enjoy this rebirth on the field."
Valleys Renewal
-- Time: August 17, 2020
After recovering, Wu Lei also found his competitive status. Although the Spaniards were relegated to the West B, Wu Lei chose not to leave the team during the trough. Spaniards club 17 officially announced with our international footballer Wu Lei renewed contract, the new contract will expire in 2024 June 30th.
After the contract renewal Wu Lei said in an open letter to the fans: "I think, when one day, people no longer discuss a Chinese player is to play the European mainstream league, or the sub-level league, when the European countries of all levels of the field have Chinese players running figure, Chinese soccer will be played from the bottom of the heart really proud up! "
Return to La Liga
-- Time: May 8, 2021
"It's great that we're back!" Wu Lei lamented on social media on May 9, Beijing time, after the Spaniards returned to La Liga four rounds ahead of schedule. Three of the six pictures he posted were of him as he clenched his fists and roared, a moment that released Wu Lei's pressure.
Playing in the Western Second League, Wu Lei has gradually transitioned from starting at the beginning of the season to playing the role of a substitute odd man out due to a combination of injuries and illnesses. Wu Lei made 31 appearances in the Liga B this season, including 8 starts and the remaining 23 as a substitute, scoring 2 goals. As a member of the team, Wu Lei contributed to the Spaniards' return to La Liga.
After the game, the Spaniards and the hardcore fans celebrated together, Wu Lei shouted "I like you" in Spanish, and the hardcore fans sang "Wu Lei's song" in response. The fans' gratitude from the heart is undoubtedly the best reward for Wu Lei's perseverance in staying at home.
Finally back in the country.
-- Time: May 18, 2021
At 10 o'clock on May 18, after a 12-hour long-distance flight, Wu Lei's flight IB2821 landed at Pudong International Airport. This is since October 17, 2019 departure to Spain, Wu Lei after 579 days to return to the country again.
After returning home, Wu Lei updated his personal microblog, lamenting the maturity of the domestic epidemic prevention system. Wu Lei wrote: "18 months, after the epidemic finally returned to the country, from last night's entry to the present, felt the domestic epidemic prevention system is cautious and orderly. Also experienced our country's firm and meticulous attitude towards prevention and control. This is the strongest guarantee for everyone's health! From getting off the plane to entering the hotel, every step of the way, such an organized system, I believe the world only our country can do! How many frontline staff members have stood firm and paid their dues during this period. Comparing some of the difficulties encountered on the way back home, they are the ones who worked the hardest and deserve the most respect! Hats off to them!"
On the night of the 19th, Wu Lei arrived in Suzhou, and the national football team will be combined and stationed in the tournament area, and then with our national team to prepare for the 4 games of the World Preliminary 40 matches. Let's look forward to Wu Lei, the Chinese national team have a wonderful performance.
