In a recent interview with Red Star News, Sichuan Jiuiu team's wingback Li Zhi shared his journey to three consecutive successful Super League appearances, lamenting that each leap carries unique memories.
Back in early 2021, Li Zhi joined Chengdu Rongcheng and was loaned to Kunshan the following season. In two seasons, he helped the team complete the comeback twice. This year, he moved to Sichuan Jiuiu team, once again writing the legend of the Super League. Facing the reporters, Li Zhi recalled: "These three Super League experiences are unforgettable for me, and each year gives me different emotions and stories. In Rongcheng, I witnessed the joy of the first Super League. Facing the brutal competition of the First Division, we broke into the Super A play-offs with a fourth-place finish, and that long season made me doubly excited."
"The second time we went to the Premier League was last year when we won the First Division title with Kunshan FC. Although the season went smoothly, the crowd on the night of the championship was very small, which was a little bit unfortunate. But I benefited from the rich experience of the season. This year, the experience was very different as the home-and-away format was resumed for the first time since the epidemic, and the fans on hand were enthusiastic. Inside I may be at peace, but the support of the fans always touches my heart."
Talking about the dissolution of the Kunshan team, Li Zhi said: "More regret. The performance of Kunshan FC last year is obvious to all, whether it is team construction or player coach configuration, have reached the level of the Chinese Super League. However, due to various force majeure factors, we failed to land in the Chinese Super League. For the first-line players and coaches, such an ending is indeed regrettable. But I will continue to work hard and firmly believe that there are more challenges waiting for me to overcome in my career."
Commenting on head coach Tato's coaching style, Li Zhi said, "Tato is a typical Spanish coach, who came from the La Masia youth training camp during his playing days. His charisma and passion infected us. In terms of technology and tactics, he leads the cutting-edge concept of modern soccer and is passionate about learning advanced soccer styles. As a result, what we have shown in the league this year is the fruit of our weekday training, making everyone feel at ease in the game."
In the face of next year's Sichuan derby between Jiu Niu and Rongcheng, Li Zhi said: "I'm looking forward to it! Rongcheng's soccer market has been eye-catching this year, and when I played for Rongcheng, the two teams had a derby in the Central League. That game was a hot one. Next year the two teams will meet again on the Chinese Super League platform, which will be a great event for all Sichuan fans. As a player, I am very much looking forward to showing myself in such a game and enjoying the passion."
The Phoenix Hill home field has become a phenomenal presence. Do you envy your Chengdu Rongcheng teammates for being able to play in such a warm atmosphere? Li Zhi replied, "I transferred to Chengdu Rongcheng from Suzhou Dongwu in the same year as Chengdu Rongcheng's center back Gou Junchen. Every time I saw him share the hot market of Phoenix Hill in his circle of friends, I wondered when I would be able to experience it for myself. Now, I think the opportunity has come because Sichuan Jiuniu has a lot of fans. Our team has its roots in Sichuan and there are many fans in the province, so I believe that wherever the home stadium is located, it will be packed."
