On July 29, just before returning home, the famous ballplayer
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
In an exclusive interview with Phoenix.com, he delves into the changes he has experienced and the insights he has gained over the past three and a half years.
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
revealed that all the talk about his return is nearing an end.
Phoenix Sports
:: "You have not traveled to Marbella with the team for training recently, does this mean that your return to your home country is almost finalized?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
: "Yes, almost."
Phoenix Sports
: "In the last season you went through a low period, but eventually managed to find your form at the end of the season. Many people thought you would stay in Barcelona for longer."
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
:: "Over the years, the winter at the beginning of the year has been the most difficult time for me, from a competitive point of view aside. At that time I thought about whether I wanted to make a change, whether it was to go back to my home country or to another place in Europe, without being too specific. But I did want to make a change because I didn't feel like I could bring much to the team anymore, and the feeling of involvement wasn't as strong as it used to be. However, the head coach at the time advised me to stick it out for another six months and to try harder. During that time, I was struggling a lot inside and the idea of changing teams was always on my mind. His words gave me a sense of resignation. After all, it was not easy to go abroad, and if I really chose to go back home at that time, I would still feel resentful inside. Therefore, I finally made up my mind to fight one more time. Judging from the final process and results, this choice paid off and I managed to score."
Phoenix Sports
:: "What factors contribute to this difficulty at the competitive level?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
: "There are many factors. Both my own physical reasons and the competitive environment. It's very competitive here, with 18- and 19-year-olds on the rise, and they have a lot of swagger. I'm 31 years old and I can feel that I'm not as good as them physically, not even as good as when I first came here three years ago. The level of youth training here is very high and we don't see it if it's not within the team. If he wants to completely replace the youngsters, there is no problem at all, they are very strong. But he can't completely replace everyone, so every year there are one or two spots reserved for newcomers and the competition is fierce."
Phoenix Sports
: "In almost every transfer window, there are rumors about you leaving or staying, does this cause a disturbance in your mindset?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
: "I understand people's concern, after all, I play in the top five leagues and am a representative of Chinese soccer, so people will pay attention to me. It's unrealistic to be completely undisturbed, after all I read the news on the internet too. When I can't play, people will say let me change teams and leave. And with the recent news about me going back to my home country, there are again people who think I should still stay at Espanyol. I have to have my own independent thinking and figure out what's best for me."
Phoenix Sports
:: "What kind of relationship do you think you have with the club during your 3.5 years with Espanyol?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
: "I've been through a lot since I've been here, from being in the UEFA Europa League again after many years, to being relegated and then playing back. When I saw my rivals relegated in Granada in the last game of last season, I posted a message in my circle of friends at the time to say that I had been through everything. It was Espanyol who made my dream come true and gave me a taste of the culture of European soccer. Even if I go back or retire in the future, I will still follow the games of Espanyol. I have developed a deep affection for this club."
