On the occasion of the new year 2019, 27-year-old soccer star
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
Under the vigorous promotion of the home port club, he officially landed on the stage of La Liga and joined Real Espanyol, starting a brand new chapter in the soccer kingdom. In the face of parting and challenges, Wu Lei's family, Harbour Club and thousands of fans have always been his solid backing, witnessing this "hope of the whole village" writing a new chapter of Chinese players overseas, and feeling the warmth and encouragement of his family.
During his journey with the Spaniards, Wu Lei made 126 appearances in various matches, collecting 16 goals and 6 assists. His every appearance is creating the legend of Chinese players staying in foreign countries. As the first Chinese player to score and assist in both La Liga and Copa del Rey, and the first Chinese soccer player to score in a European competition, Wu Lei's reputation resonates both in the Chinese Super League and abroad.
Talking about this experience of staying in the ocean, Wu Lei was full of emotion: "In general, my road to stay in the ocean is very successful. Before going abroad, I was well prepared and participated in various matches, league, cup and UEFA Cup all have my figure and goals. These three and a half years have been a valuable asset for me and a dream come true for me, and even if I retire in the future, it will still be a good memory.
Shanghai Harbour team, carrying Xu Genbao's soccer philosophy.In 2000, Xu Genbao founded a soccer base in Chongming Island, ten years to sharpen the sword, Wu Lei, Yan Junling, Zhang Linpeng and other players grew up together here.In 2012, the veteran Xu Genbao led the team to break into the Chinese Super League, and at the end of 2014, the stake was transferred to the Shanghai Group.In the 2018 season, Harbour won the championship, Wu Lei and his teammates dedicated the championship to the his mentor Xu Genbao and realized his wish.
The 31-year-old Wu Lei returns home, eager to continue to pursue his dreams with his old friends and experience the joy of playing side by side. "The friendship over the years will never change. We had created brilliance together and won the Chinese Super League title. Now, I hope we can continue to work together and fight for new titles, such as the FA Cup."
Wu Lei also revealed that the experience of staying in the ocean has made him gain a lot, not only on the field, but also in the operation of European clubs, team building, youth training and other aspects of a profound experience. He expects to bring what he has learned back home to help clubs and promote the development of Chinese soccer.
