On April 3, 2024, in the calm of the off-season, Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang Club suddenly announced that the player of Yi Xian Long, who has been playing in the Chinese First Division for four consecutive years since 2016, would be transferred from the Dragons to our team. Facing Football Daily's camera, he bluntly said that getting a chance to play is more crucial for him than staying in the Chinese Super League.
--What kind of impression did the Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang Guojing team leave on you when you first arrived?
The management of the club is well organized, and I came here with the vision of creating a great success with the team. The fans here, both in Pingguo and Guangxi, show great enthusiasm. When we played away from home in the past, I was impressed by the energy of the fans here. Nowadays, the soccer atmosphere in Pingguo is getting stronger and stronger, with more than 20,000 fans attending every game, and even the daily training attracts a lot of fans.
--So, how did you get your foot in the door of soccer?
I was born in Xunwu County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, and moved with my parents to Meizhou, Guangdong Province in my childhood, where I attended Meixian Xincheng Central Primary School. When I was in fifth grade, I was spotted by a scout during a ball game at Meizhou People's Primary School. He contacted my parents and asked if I would like to try professional training. I was only 11 years old at the time, and with the encouragement of my parents, I decided to give it a brave try and started a professional soccer career.
-In having already played in the Central League for a number of years, which do you think is more crucial, getting a chance to play or staying in the Premier League?
For me, getting a chance to play is more important. It's a matter of personal choice and everyone may have a different opinion. Some of my teammates chose to stay in the first team and wait for their chance, while I chose a more stable path - to get as many games as possible. I thought my opportunities in Shandong Taishan were limited, so I chose to go out and work out to improve myself. This year, the Guangxi Pingguo Ha Loud Guojing team is doing well in the Central League, and I'm looking forward to making a difference in the competition.
--From your perspective, what are the core competencies of professional players?
Yi Xianlong said that the first thing is to have excellent on-field stats, followed by what an individual's unique style can bring to the team. A player's ability and potential are the focus of the transfer market and clubs' attention. In short, it is a player's strength and potential. In the professional game, only those who are strong will gain a foothold, otherwise they will be replaced. Clubs will not commit to develop you exclusively, which is the true meaning I have learned in the league. Competition is brutal and realistic, therefore, to stand out in the game, you have to keep working hard and improve your strength.
-In your opinion, what are the main aspects of your skill set?
When the ball comes to my feet, I can easily break and change direction in one-on-one situations, which is my biggest advantage. In the AFC Champions League, I have played against young players from Japan, South Korea and Singapore, and my body and speed are on par with theirs, while in the domestic league, I focus more on making up for my physical shortcomings with my intelligence.
-After a few years of playing professionally, what experiences have you gained growing up?
I still have a long way to go compared to my soccer predecessors. They had solid skills, and that solidity remained even after they retired. I have a deep respect for that. Of course, this is not modesty. I think a player should set his position right and keep moving forward towards his goal. I'm still working hard in the Chinese First Division and haven't reached the top yet. I need to stay calm and not be in a hurry.
--What goals have you set for yourself in joining the Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang Guojing team this year?
I hope to help the team make a breakthrough and gain more experience in overtaking. Before this, I have experienced the challenge of overtaking with my teammates in Zhejiang, which has benefited me a lot. At the same time, I also hope to show my strength in the league and prepare for a higher platform in the future. My goal is to be selected for the national team, and although progress has been slow, I will stick to my rhythm and go all the way.
--You have numerous fans in Shandong, Meizhou, and Pingguo, Guangxi, do you have anything to say to them?
I am very grateful for their support. I will not be discouraged even if I have not yet fully realized my abilities. I will prove everything with my actions and give it my all!
