Li Zhi, the iron defender of Sichuan Jiuiu team, passionately shared his joy of success in three times of Super League in an exclusive interview with Red Star News. His words reveal complex emotions and an unpredictable inner world.
Looking back to the beginning of 2021, Li Zhi just joined Chengdu Rongcheng and started his career on loan with Kunshan. In two seasons, he helped the team achieve overtaking twice. This year, he moved to Sichuan Jiuniu and wrote the legend again. Facing the camera of Red Star News, he reminisced: "Each of these three times of overtaking has a unique flavor. In Rongcheng, I tasted the joy of success for the first time, it was a fierce competition in China's first division, we broke into the Super League play-offs in fourth place, the season was long and the joy of victory was hard to express."
"Last year, I won the championship with Kunshan FC and the season went well, but it was slightly regrettable that there were so few spectators at the trophy. This year, it was a new experience to resume home and away matches for the first time since the epidemic, with a huge crowd of fans on hand. Although I may have calmed down inside, I am still touched by the support of the fans."
Talking about the dissolution of the Kunshan team, Li Zhi can not help but sigh: "regret occupies my mind. The strength of Kunshan FC is indisputable, hardware and software facilities, players and coaches configuration, have reached the level of the Super League, but for various reasons failed to debut in the Super League, which is really regrettable for those of us first-line players and coaches. But I believe that this is just a career hiccup, I will continue to work hard, the day of the Chinese Super League will eventually come!"
Commenting on head coach Tato, Li Zhi said, "Tato is a typical Spanish coach who came from La Masia youth training camp during his playing days. His charisma and passion are always infectious. Technically and tactically, he leads the advanced concepts of modern soccer and is passionate about learning advanced soccer styles. This year, our performance in the First Division is the fruit of our usual training, allowing us to play like a fish out of water."
In the face of next year's Sichuan derby between Jiu Niu and Rongcheng, Li Zhi is full of expectations: "As a player of both teams, I am very much looking forward to this derby. The market in Rongcheng is hot this year, and I have witnessed a passionate derby when I played in Rongcheng. Next year, the two teams will meet again on the Chinese Super League platform, and all Sichuan fans will be happy. As a player, I am looking forward to showing myself and enjoying the atmosphere in such a match."
Talking about the phenomenal home ground that Phoenix Hill has become, Li Zhi said, "I transferred to Chengdu Rongcheng in the same year as Rongcheng's teammate, Gou Junchen. Every time I saw him in his circle of friends showing the ball market and fans picking up at Phoenix Hill, I longed to feel that atmosphere. Now, I think the opportunity has come because Sichuan Jiuniu has a lot of fans, our team is rooted in Sichuan, and the support of the fans in the province makes next year's game full of expectations."
