When you think of the youngsters in Chinese soccer, whose names jump to mind? Qu Bo, Dong Fangzhuo or Chen Tao? In my opinion, Chen Tao, who dances in the summer breeze, is the most imaginative and wild boy in Chinese soccer.
Chen Tao, the rising star of Chinese soccer who has been compared to Lionel Messi, has been unique in the midfield 10 position with his extraordinary spirit since the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.
In 2005, the World Youth Championship in Holland became a temple of joy for fans. The Chinese National Youth Football Team provided us with a visual feast with a heart-stopping game. Chen Tao, Gao Lin, Zhu Ting, Zhao Xu Ri, Artemisia Jun Min, Feng Xiaoting and other talented youngsters were known as the "Super Platinum Generation".
Under the leadership of Chen Tao and others, the Chinese National Youth Football Team defeated Turkey, the "runner-up of the European Youth Championships", Ukraine, the "third place of the European Youth Championships", and Panama, before losing 2-3 to Germany in the knockout stage.
Despite failing to win a medal, such a record is rare in Chinese soccer history (Chen Tao contributed three goals and three assists in four games).
As the core of the national youth team, Chen Tao is like a bright star in the eyes of the fans. He is not only a goal-scoring machine, but also a master of assists, both offensive and defensive, which makes him the perfect core of Chinese soccer midfield.
This perfect fulcrum for offense and defense is a mainstay of the team in other countries.
Unfortunately, after that World Youth Championship, although Chen Tao was named to the best team along with Lionel Messi, he received olive branches from many music departments in Europe, and Jose Mourinho even invited Chen Tao to Chelsea for a trial. However, at a crucial moment in Chen Tao's career, his home team Shenyang Jinde became a stumbling block for him.
Shenyang Jinde regarded Chen Tao as a "human mine" and prevented him from pursuing his European dream by paying a high price. Dissatisfied with the club's approach, Chen Tao's relationship with the executives deteriorated, resulting in an indefinite suspension from training after being attacked by the "black hand".
In 2008, Chen Tao had a 0 appearance record and was banned by Shenyang Jinde for unfounded reasons. During this time, the CFA failed to intervene and protect this outstanding player.
Shenyang Jinde's behavior got worse, stopping Chen Tao's salary and refusing to provide him with food. During these dark and hungry days, Chen Tao almost gave up soccer.
In pursuit of his soccer dream, Chen Tao drifted around the field, was owed wages, and was punished by running 80,000 meters a day. However, his efforts did not stop the passing of youth.
Youth is fading away, the most spiritual 10 of Chinese soccer was thus destroyed in the hands of their own people!
Despite his youthfulness, Chen Tao has still been selected for the Chinese national soccer team several times with his hard work.
As Chen Tao said, "Football needs to go through many twists and turns before it can be gradually professionalized. In this process, there are always people who will become cannon fodder. Only by sacrificing some people's youth can we wake up the managers and find the right direction."
Now, Messi has won the World Cup, Shenyang Jinde has disbanded, Chen Tao has retired, leaving us fans with memories of the 2005 Dutch summer...
Goodbye, Chen Tao! Goodbye, his soccer.
