Sun sees dawn for Chinese football

Sun Jihai (left) celebrates scoring his fi rst goal as Manchester City beat Birmingham City 2-0 in the Premiership match at St Andrews, Birmingham, on Oct 26, 2002. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In China-UK football exchanges, Sun Jihai is a name that stands out for his history-making stint with Manchester City from 2002 to 2008. He signed for the English Premier League club from Dalian Shide for 2 million pounds ($3.1 million) and became the first Asian player to play for the Blues. His solid defense and attacking forays won over many City fans. He was voted the best player for the club in September 2002. In October 2002, Sun became the first Chinese footballer to score in the Premier League when he headed home the first goal in a 2-0 win over Birmingham City. Sun, 38, now plays for China's Super League club Chongqing Lifan. Yu Yilei and Chen Xiangfeng caught up with him just before he flew to Manchester to meet visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping along with the club's players and management:

Did you still follow the EPL?

I always follow the English Premier League, and, of course, Manchester City, through the media. I can't watch live broadcasts like before because of the busy training and competition schedule in China.

Who are your favorite EPL players, in Manchester City and worldwide?

In the EPL, Chelsea's Lazar Markovic. In Manchester City, Yaya Touré. David Silva. Internationally, City's Sergio Agüero.

What do you think of China-UK football exchanges?

For me, China needs to learn not only from Britain but also other strong football nations such as Germany.

What can China learn from British football?

We should learn to drum up the same enthusiasm they have. It appears that the Chinese love and support football, but it is far from enough. In terms of football population, professional players and facilities, there is a huge gap. Talking about China's professional football league, it is indeed a teenager compared to the ones in Britain that have a history of more than 100 years. We need a faster pace of development to catch up with them.

What can you do to improve those exchanges?

I, of course, have experience playing in Britain and now serve as the ambassador for Manchester City in China. I wish to build a bridge between China and Britain, in particular, Manchester City.

I want to introduce advanced management, youth talent scouting and training systems in China as well as help Manchester City secure a bigger fan base in China. It is a two-way exchange.

President Xi Jinping is a football fan and he has initiated plans to improve China's football. What is you impression of him?

I am truly grateful that President Xi and the central government recently drafted a master plan for football reform in China. It is an unprecedented move, a blessing for the sport and for the people involved. It offers a great opportunity to lift football development in the country. I really appreciate his enthusiasm for football.

How long do you think before these plans have an effect?

The state of China's football can't be changed overnight. It is closely linked to a lot of issues. For example, the facilities, the academic pressure put on young people who are raised in an educational system where securing high scores is a priority. Developing football is not just about the sport itself, but also creating a facilitating environment. As for how long it will take for those plans to take effect, let's have a little bit more patience and do it step by step.

How long will you stay in the sport?

Every year, I am asked the same question many times. A lot of people think a football player should retire by the age of 38. Age has never been a problem for me, there are two points to decide whether I am going to continue or not: Can I play and am I happy? I am very happy now and my body is fit. You will definitely see me playing next season.