In the March 15 Football Weekly interview, Zhejiang youngster Wang Yudong, who was honored with the 2023 China Golden Boy Award (U17), shared his personal growth journey and thought about the future.
Faced with the question "As a potential star, have you ever considered going abroad for further study? Wang Yudong was blunt: "Of course, I'm eager to sharpen my skills in a higher level league. I have already made a plan to go abroad. As you know, the pace of overseas matches is fast. I was impressed by the top five European leagues. I remember in the group stage away match against Kofu Kazehashi of Japan's second tier league, their speed and tempo even exceeded that of some Chinese Super League teams. The match was intense and challenging. In view of the upcoming National Games next year, I would like to represent the Zhejiang team, so if I have the chance, I plan to go abroad next year. I believe studying abroad will enable me to grow faster and better."
Talking about the impact of foreign strikers on local players in the Chinese Super League, Wang Yudong said: "As a striker, I like the thrill of scoring goals. Every position in the Chinese Super League is highly competitive, and I will face the challenge bravely. After joining the first team, the seniors in the team have given me a lot of help so that I can quickly adapt to the rhythm of the league. At the same time, I will communicate with foreign players and learn from them. I am confident to gain a foothold in the Chinese Super League."
Wang Yudong's outstanding performance in Asia has gradually made him known to the fans, to which he laments: "I feel happy to let the fans know me, which also means that my efforts have been recognized. I don't think fame is a pressure. On the contrary, if I don't score a goal, I will be disappointed instead. I will turn the fans' attention into motivation and keep improving myself so that I won't let my fans down."
In the face of the less than ideal status quo of Chinese soccer, Wang Yudong is full of confidence: "Chinese soccer is indeed facing many difficulties, but as a soccer player, we should persevere and believe in ourselves and the future of Chinese soccer. In the face of the current environment, our generation should strive to create a better future, I will continue to play soccer, firmly believe that Chinese soccer can get out of the trough."
