As night falls in Beijing, former national soccer star Liu Jian drops a bombshell on social media, announcing the end of his career, which at 37 years old has taken him to clubs such as Qingdao Zhongneng, Guangzhou, Beijing Renhe and Qingdao.
On social media, Liu Jian fondly recalled, "Since my childhood, I have been playing soccer under the cultivation of my father, who is not only my initiator, but also my first coach. In the company of both parents, soccer has become an indispensable love in my life. When I was in the third or fourth grade of elementary school, I officially stepped onto the training field, and at that time, I never expected that the journey of soccer would be so exciting."
At the age of 13, he left his hometown and came to Qingdao, grew up to be a professional player and was selected by the national team. In his career, he has shed blood and sweat, tears accompanied by laughter, injuries and glory are intertwined. Soccer has become the love of his life, bringing him more happiness and emotion.
Today in 2022, Liu Jian made a difficult decision - to say goodbye to his career as a player. It is difficult to express the feelings of parting, but the road of life, still have to continue to move forward.
On the occasion of his retirement, Liu Jian is full of gratitude: "Thanks to Qingdao Yi Zhong, Qingdao Hainiu, Guangzhou Evergrande, Beijing Renhe, Qingdao Yellow Sea and other clubs to provide a league platform; thanks to every recognition and support my club boss and leadership; thanks to the coaches for their careful guidance; thanks to the side by side with teammates; thanks to the silent behind-the-scenes payment of the medical team and staff; thanks to support my fans; thanks to friends who pay attention to my media! Thanks to the fans who support me; thanks to the media friends who pay attention to me!"
He expressed his gratitude for the love and trust of the NFF and the national team, and although he regretted not being able to contribute more to the national team, he was proud to represent the national team to fight for his country. Liu Jian said that his dream as a child was to represent the national team in the World Cup. Although there is always a distance between dream and reality, this journey of pursuing his dream will become the most valuable treasure in his life.
Retirement does not mean goodbye to soccer, Liu Jian said that he will continue to devote himself to the cause of soccer, play the spare time, help young players to grow, and help the national football dream come true.
Finally, he thanked his parents for their parenting, his family for their companionship, his friends for their encouragement, and himself for his resilience. In the face of the current plight of the national football team, Liu Jian pays tribute to each and every one of the soccer people who persevered, calls on everyone to not forget the original intention, move forward, and firmly believes that the national football team will be better and better in the future!
