In a January 9 interview with Polish media outlet "tvp", former Henan Songshan Dragons player Adrian disclosed his future plans and expressed his views on the development of Chinese soccer and the topic of Crow joining the Saudi League.
-How do you decide about the offer?
I did receive offers from Canada and India, but my decisions are always well thought out. I was not interested in those offers, after all, I didn't want to add unnecessary pressure on myself. I wanted to spend more time with my family and finish my career in Poland. Although three clubs in China offered me a year's stay there, I didn't want to give the impression that I was difficult to get along with, and I wanted to enjoy soccer on my own terms. Traveling long distances to Canada and India was not something I wanted to do, so I declined decisively. At nearly forty, I couldn't have relaunched my career with fifty offers, unless my passion for soccer was still high.
-- With Chinese soccer facing a number of woes as Super League juggernaut Guangzhou is relegated, does that mean problems abound?
Everything seems to have gone downhill since the New Crown outbreak. Many of the clubs' sponsors are developers who have been hit hard by the outbreak. The quarantine policy has led to the departure of a large number of foreign players, while nukes, closures and changes to the format have prevented fans from being there in person. The club's income from TV broadcasts was meager, and fan revenue was almost nil. It was a tough time, but now, we expect things to bounce back. Guangzhou is currently relying mainly on young players and unfortunately failed to secure relegation. However, they still have a chance to return to the Chinese Super League next season like Hulkar.
-- Have Chinese fans' attitudes toward soccer changed?
Yes, I see positive changes. The fans' passion for soccer is growing and the stadium is once again packed. After a long wait, fans were finally able to support the team in person. For the past three years, fans have not been able to attend matches and the team has been playing a lot of games, but I believe things are getting back to normal now. The return of fans and sponsors gives hope that it will be business as usual in 2023.
-- Are you surprised that Crowe chose to join the Saudi League at the end of his career?
Of course, I'm a bit surprised that he chose to leave a top European club. We all hoped that he would stay in Europe, or even go back to Real Madrid or join a team capable of competing in the Champions League. But I understand his decision. I also played for Riyadh Victory and I don't think it's surprising that he chose Riyadh Victory over Sporting Portugal's offer. It's going to be an interesting journey and I'm sure that when Crowe's joining ceremony takes place, he will be warmly welcomed and happy. His joining will be a big boost for the whole league as his transfer may attract more players to the game.
