On April 3, in the middle of the off-season, Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang Football Club welcomed a new member - Yi Xianlong. The player has been playing in China's first division for four consecutive years. In an interview with Football Daily, Yi Xianlong said that getting a chance to play is better than staying in the Chinese Super League for him.
--What impressed you most when you first arrived in Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang?
The club is well run and organized, making me feel at home. Coming here, I am eager to work with the team to pursue victory this season. The fans in Pingguo and Guangxi are very enthusiastic, and I am impressed by the atmosphere even in away games. This year, I feel that the soccer atmosphere in Pingguo is getting stronger and stronger, with more than 20,000 fans attending every match, and even the daily training attracts a lot of fans.
--Talk about the beginning of your soccer career.
I was born in Xunwu County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, and moved to Meizhou, Guangdong Province with my parents in my childhood. I attended Meizhou New Town Center Primary School in elementary school. When I was in fifth grade, by chance, I was discovered by a scout while playing at Meizhou People's Primary School. He approached my parents and asked if I would like to try professional training. I was only 11 years old at the time, and although I was young, my love for soccer made me choose professional training without hesitation.
-Which do you think is more important, getting a chance to play or staying in the Premier League, after years of playing for a Central League team?
For me, getting a chance to play is more crucial. Everyone's choices may be different, and some of my teammates are willing to wait for their chance in the first team. I tend to pursue a stable growth path and get as many game opportunities as possible. I thought my opportunities in Shandong Taishan were limited and chose to go out to work out and improve myself. This year, Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang performed well in the first division and I am confident to show myself in more matches.
-- In your opinion, what are the core competencies of a professional player?
Yi Xianlong: The first thing is to have a great on-field performance, and the second is what the individual's unique skills can bring to the team. A player's ability and potential are the focus of the transfer market and clubs' attention. When you enter a professional league, strength is the hard truth. Clubs will not commit to develop you specifically, which has given me a deep insight into the cruelty of reality in the league. Therefore, in order to gain a foothold in the professional league, you must keep working hard and improve your strength.
--What are the main areas in which your skills are characterized?
Yi Xianlong: When I get the ball and break and change direction in one-on-one situations, I can handle it with ease. This is my biggest advantage. In the AFC Champions League, although I was young, when I played against teams from Japan, South Korea and Singapore, my physical condition and speed were on par with my opponents. However, in the domestic league, I realized that I might be slightly inferior physically. Therefore, I focus more on making up for my shortcomings with intelligence and skill.
-What are some of the growing lessons you've learned over the years in the professional league?
Yi Xianlong: Compared to my soccer predecessors, I still have a lot of room for improvement. Their skills are solid and they still maintain a high level even after they retire. This makes me deeply admire them. I will continue to work hard, set my mind right and move forward towards my goal. At present, I am struggling hard in the Chinese First Division and have not yet reached the top. I want to remain humble and move forward steadily.
--What goals have you set for yourself by joining the Guangxi Pingguo Ha Rang Guojing team this year?
Yi Xianlong: I want to help the team make a breakthrough in the league. During my time in Zhejiang, we have managed to overtake and gained valuable experience. I look forward to continuing to show myself in Pingguo and strive to play at a higher level. My goal is to be selected for the national team. It's a long road, but I will persevere and follow my own rhythm.
--You have many fans in Shandong, Meizhou, and Pingguo, Guangxi, what would you like to say to them?
Yi Xian Long: Thank you for your support. If you think I haven't played my full strength yet, please give me time to prove everything. I will do my best to live up to your expectations!
