On April 29, an unusual day.
China Super League (soccer league)
The league is going on as usual.
However, just as the match was about to start at 18:00, a shocking news broke the calm - former national soccer player Zhang Enhua unfortunately passed away at the age of 48.
According to sources, Zhang Enhua died tragically of a heart attack after drinking alcohol.
The last dynamic on social media is fixed in the early morning of April 28, is the system automatically released birthday wishes. The world is unpredictable, but this day became the end of Zhang Enhua's life. Now, this dynamic is full of fans to send condolences under the message.
After learning the sad news, Zhang Enhua's hometown team, Dalian People's Football Club, sent a message of condolence: "The loss of excellence, grief. Zhang Enhua had led the Dalian team to win seven top-level league championships, he was the team's backline pin, but also the spiritual leader of the history of Dalian soccer. Life is like a dream, and the moon has its own shade and roundness, the wind and righteousness of life and teacher and friend, and the karma of the next life will be a brotherhood. Blackie, good luck."
When one thinks of Zhang Enhua, the first thing that comes to mind is the images from his days playing for the dominant Dalian Wanda team in the A-League. As a center back, he was the core of the team. It was with his solid support in the backline that Dalian won seven top-flight trophies in the A-League era.
Zhang Enhua is also an important defensive general of the national football team, 1996, selected the national football team, in the 1997 World Preliminary Asian Zone ten match, it is his a lion's head, broke the Saudi Arabia's goal, to help the national football team 1:0 small victory over the opponent, to save the hope of the impact of the World Cup, which can also be called the highest light moment of his national team career.
However, unfortunately, that World Qualifier, the national football team failed to get out of the line as expected.
In 2001, Zhang Enhua briefly stayed abroad and joined the English sub-team Grimsby. Although it was only for three months, it left a deep impression on him.
Zhang Enhua joined the club at a point when Grimsby were struggling in the relegation loop with three center backs missing due to injuries. His arrival changed the team's situation. On his debut, he led Grimsby to a 2:0 home win over Norwich.
During his stay in the United Kingdom, Zhang Enhua appeared in 17 matches in 3 months, scored 3 goals and was named Player of the Match 2 times. His aggressive style of play has won the hearts of many English fans.
After returning to China, Zhang Enhua returned to his hometown team Dalian. At the same time, he once again stood on the stage of the World Qualification Tournament wearing the uniform of the national soccer team. This time, the national soccer team rushed into the World Cup as expected.
But unfortunately, Zhang Enhua's 0 appearances in the Korea-Japan World Cup became the regret of his career. Even after Fan Zhiyi's injury in the first game, the then national soccer coach Milu didn't give him a chance. Since then, Zhang Enhua has faded out of the national team, and his national team appearances are set at 59 games, scoring 5 goals.
Late in his career, Zhang Enhua also moved through teams such as Tianjin Kangshi and Hong Kong South China before finally retiring in 2006.
After his retirement, Zhang Enhua has not stayed away from soccer. After obtaining his AFC coaching certificate, he also traveled to Villarreal in La Liga as an assistant coach for further training. After returning to China, he served as the leader and Chinese coach of Shenzhen Football.
Zhang Enhua also served as a CCTV commentator at the 2018 World Cup. After the national football team was eliminated by Iran in the 2019 Asian Cup, Zheng Zhi had tearfully apologized to the fans. Zhang Enhua, who was the guest commentator in the live broadcast, was equally moved to tears when he saw this scene.
A month ago, Zhang Enhua participated in the memorial service of his mentor Chi Shangbin in Dalian. Just 48 days later, the news of "Zhang Enhua's death" appeared coldly on the microblogging hot search.
And 2 days ago, Zhang Enhua had also opened an account on a social media platform, and his profile still reads, "Old boy who loves soccer."
In the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, most of the international players have now taken up coaching and management positions, and continue to contribute to the national football team.
Sadly, the old boy who loved soccer can no longer continue that love.
May there be soccer in heaven too! Zhang Enhua, have a good trip!
