After a 1-1 draw between Shandong Taishan and Qingdao Hainiu, a heartwarming and slightly embarrassing episode played out on the sidelines. As the game came to a close, Taishan's veteran Song Long, a former loanee of the Sea Bulls, inadvertently stepped onto a bus bound for Taishan. It was only after being reminded by his teammate Li Hailong that Song Long realized that he had gone astray, and a bitter smile appeared on his face.
Not long ago, Song Long moved from Taishan to his hometown team Qingdao Hainiu, and despite being unable to play in the Qilu derby due to an avoidance clause, he traveled with the team to Jinan. After the game, he thanked his former Taishan teammates, including Li Hailong, and then habitually walked to the familiar orange bus. After being kindly prompted by Li Hailong and the Taishan team staff, Song Long realized his mistake, and a heartfelt smile appeared on everyone's face. Song Long also smiled and gently covered his eyes, but behind this smile hid an imperceptible sadness.
Since 2015, Song Long has spent nine springs and autumns with the Taishan team. That bus has long been a symbol of his return home after a game. In these 9 years, he has built a deep bond with his teammates, staff, and even the bus driver. As a rotational player on the left side of the Taishan team, Song Long played an important role in both Li Xiaopeng's and Hao Wei's eras, helping the team win the Chinese Super League title, the FA Cup and the New Year Cup. He appeared in over 100 games, contributing 8 goals and 5 assists.
However, with Choi Kang-hee becoming the head coach of Taishan, Songlong's position was turned upside down. He was marginalized for a while until he left the team on loan and returned to his hometown team Qingdao Hainiu. This season, Song Long has performed well for the Sea Bulls and has already contributed one assist.
Although Song Long is no longer young on the stage of the Chinese Super League, his dedication will always be a memory in the hearts of Taishan fans. May Song Long continue to maintain his outstanding form in Qingdao Sea Cowboys and bring us more exciting games.
