Li Ke is a former Arsenal U18 player who spent many years in the English league. Because of his Chinese heritage, he became the first naturalized player in the history of Chinese soccer, and his name changed from Nicholas Yennaris to Li Ke. Li Ke made his debut for the national football team immediately after his naturalization, marking the official sailing of Chinese soccer's naturalization strategy. At that time, Chinese fans seemed to smell the breath of the World Cup.
However, the plot twist came unexpectedly. Ackerson, Luo Guofu, Alan, Fernando and other naturalized players have joined the team one after another, but the fighting strength of the national football team is far from the expected. the dream of the top 12 tournament is shattered, and the road of naturalization seems to have come to an end. In the past year, the naturalized players left the team one after another, Golat abandoned the nationality, Fernando heard nothing. Luo Guofu and Alan returned to South America, and Eckerson is close to Chengdu. And Li Ke, who has been out of the game for a long time, finally returned to the field on the occasion of Eckerson's return.
In the early morning of the 7th, Li Ke posted a dynamic on social media, "Getting better and better! Looking forward to the day of returning to the field!" And attached his own training photos. Later that day, he arrived in Shanghai by plane and officially announced his return. This news, undoubtedly for the Chinese soccer injected a shot in the arm.
Li Ke was highly regarded when he first joined the national team. As a midfielder, he possessed exceptional running, confrontation and tackling skills.In June 2019, he featured in a match against the Philippines, helping the national team to a 2-0 win. Although that game was not an official match, it at least ensured that the national soccer team finished in the top eight in Asia and locked up a seeding spot for the Top 40 tournament. Li Ke's defensive attributes are exactly what the national football team desperately needs.
However, since the 2021 season, Li Ke suffered a serious injury and only made three appearances for Beijing Guoan throughout the season. at the end of June 2021, Li Ke returned to England to undergo a third surgery, and was lost for the entire 2022 season, missing all of the national team's matches as well. After a long recovery, Li Ke was finally able to participate in training and confrontation, but his return was accompanied by a sinking of Chinese soccer and a reshaping of his position.
At present, Beijing Guoan is assembling to prepare for the new season in mid-April. Li Ke will go to Haikou to meet the team after returning to China, which is actually a "trial training". Due to the expiration of the contract, Li Ke must accept the assessment of the coaching team. Only the physical condition and athletic state to meet the requirements, he can be renewed with the national security. 30-year-old Li Ke, from the star naturalized players to trial players, this change is saddening.
Nonetheless, Li Ke's choice to return home at least shows his dedication to Chinese soccer. If he can regain his form after the injury and continue to play for Guoan, he is even expected to return to the national team. After all, the national soccer team is in dire need of veteran experience. If Li Ke can return to his best form, it will be a great boon to both Guoan and the national team.
