On the eve of his return home, soccer superstar
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
Accepted an in-depth interview with Phoenix.com, talking about his transformation and journey over the past three and a half years.
Facing a question from Phoenix Sports, "You have not traveled with the team to Marbella for training recently, does this mean that your decision to return to your home country is almost finalized?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
Responded, "Almost."
Then the reporter followed up with, "You suffered a down period last season, but found your form again at the end of the season. Many people thought you would stay longer in Barcelona."
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
Recalls, "Over the years, other things aside, on a competitive level, the winter at the beginning of this year was the toughest time for me. At that time I thought about whether I wanted to make a change, whether it was to go back to my home country or go to another place in Europe, I didn't have a specific plan, but I did have the idea of making a change. Because I didn't feel I could bring much to the team at that time, the feeling of involvement wasn't as strong as it used to be. However, the head coach at the time advised me to stick it out for another six months and asked me to try harder. I was struggling a lot and the idea of changing teams was still lingering. When he said that, a wave of reluctance flared up in my heart again. Because it was not easy to go abroad, if I really went back to my home country, I would definitely feel resentful in my heart. Therefore, I decided to fight a little more. In terms of process and result, it was worth it, and I scored in the end."
The reporter further inquired, "What are some of the factors that have led to the difficulties you have experienced at the competitive level?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
Honestly, "There are a lot of factors. There's my own physical reasons and there's also the competitive environment. It's very competitive here, with young players rising at 18 and 19 years old who are very strong. I'm 31 years old and I can feel that I'm not as good as them physically, or even as I was three or four years ago. The level of youth training here is very high and if you're not within the team, you don't see it. If he wanted to replace the whole team with youngsters, there would be no problem at all, the strength is so strong, but he can't replace them completely, so every year there are one or two places reserved for newcomers."
In the face of rumors about him staying or going in every transfer window.
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
said, "I understand everyone, after all, I play in the top five leagues and am the only one in Chinese soccer, so everyone pays attention to me. Although it's unrealistic to be completely undisturbed, I do read the news online. When I can't play, people will say change the team, go away. When the news came out recently about me going back to my country, there were again people who said it would be better to stay with the Spaniards. I have to have my own independent thinking and figure out what's best for me."
Finally, the reporter asked, "In the three and a half years that you have played for Espanyol, how do you feel about your relationship with the club?"
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
Deeply emotional: "I've been through a lot here, from reaching the UEFA Europa League after so many years, to being relegated, to being back on top. In the last game of last season, I witnessed the relegation of my rivals in Granada, and I wrote in my circle of friends that I had been through it all. It was Espanyol who made my dream come true and gave me a taste of the culture of European soccer. Even if I go back to my home country or retire later, I will still follow the games of Espanyol. I have become attached to them."
