China player was captain of Crystal Palace, a Premier League team?

From the core of Shenhua to the captain of Crystal Palace-Fan Zhiyi took stock of his three-year study abroad

I haven't seen Fan Zhiyi for a long time. When people turned their attention to the China Youth Team in Argentina, the "big shot" of China football faded out of sight. Yesterday afternoon, when the reporter saw "General Fan" in a suit and tie at the British Consulate General in Shanghai, he almost didn't recognize him.

Due to the three-year contract renewal with Crystal Palace Club, Fan Zhiyi has to extend his work visa in the UK. When we met Fan Zhiyi, he hugged his old friend, Vice Consul Kant, and praised the efficiency of the consulate. "The visa was delivered at 1 o'clock in the morning, and it's only 2 o'clock now. It's done." After studying abroad for three years, Fan Zhiyi has established sincere friendship with consular officials.

For three years, from the core player of Shenhua to the new captain of Crystal Palace, Fan Zhiyi has taken a hard road, and has also made a useful exploration for China players to study abroad. Our topic is naturally inseparable from the ups and downs of these three years. "At that time, I won the Footballer of the Year award in 1995 and 1996 in succession, and I almost got all the honors at home. I felt that I lacked new motivation and naturally thought of going abroad for development." Fan Zhiyi recalled the original decision, still very emotional.

"It was hard when I first arrived abroad, especially in the first two months, when I stayed in a hotel. At home, others serve you, and when you get there, you rely on yourself. " In a strange environment, Mr. and Mrs. Fan Zhiyi survived. Now, Fan Zhiyi has become the "darling" of London fans. Once in the subway, a fan suddenly pointed to Fan Zhiyi and said, "Hey, I know you. You are a fan and a China player." Suddenly, the whole carriage stood up to shake hands with Fan Zhiyi.

"Many people have asked me why you didn't transfer because the team was in a bad situation and never rushed to the super team." Fan Zhiyi said: "For western players, it may be time to choose a transfer, but we in China are very emotional. It was the Crystal Palace that gave me the opportunity. Now that the team is in trouble, how can I walk away?" Yes, Fan Zhiyi is more mature. He gave his own advice to countless young players in China who have dreams of studying abroad: "Outside, although cultural differences are inevitable, football languages are interoperable, so we must adapt. He particularly stressed that you should actively adapt to the team, not let the team adapt to you. Fan Zhiyi gave an example. His teammates invited him to a bar for a drink, but he didn't refuse. He just said, "I won't drink, just drink coke." It is in this active communication that Fan Zhiyi lets his teammates know himself, which also gives him more room to play his skills.

When talking about the future, Fan Zhiyi first corrected a statement. Recently, after interviewing him, the British media said that his goal was to be the head coach of the China national team. Fan Zhiyi said that he only said that he wanted to be a successful coach, and the media speculated. What are the criteria for a successful coach in Fan Zhiyi? He said firmly: "A successful coach is to win the championship constantly."