After nearly 20 days of winter training in Spain, the entire SIPG team returned to Shanghai yesterday afternoon on a transfer from Munich. Today, the whole team has a day off, and from Wednesday onwards, it will be put into the final sprint to prepare for the AFC Champions League qualification match on February 9.
A day ago at Hongqiao Airport, SIPG fans warmly welcomed the team's new signing Elkeson. A day later, Pudong Airport once again sounded the loud singing of SIPG fans. As captain Sun Xiang said, when he returned to Shanghai, he did not have time to feel the cold of the weather, but he already felt the enthusiasm of the fans. Head coach Eriksen who walked out of the arrival hall was also very enjoyable, "I am very happy to have so many enthusiastic fans to welcome us back from winter training, and their enthusiasm makes me feel like home." ”
For SIPG, the most important thing to do after returning is the AFC Champions League qualifier on the second night of the Chinese New Year on February 9, which is a game that cannot be lost. Talking about the team arrangement after returning to Shanghai, Eriksen said: "Tomorrow there will be a day off, and the team will assemble again the day after tomorrow. For the game on February 9, I believe the players will be very prepared because this game is very important for us. ”
Eriksen also said that he would communicate with new signing Elkeson today to understand his current physical condition. Elkeson had already undergone a medical examination at the hospital in Shanghai yesterday morning, and in the afternoon he and the club had a final discussion on the details of the contract, and it was only a matter of time before he put on the SIPG shirt. With Gian currently injured, it becomes extremely important that Elkeson can catch up with the AFC Champions League qualifiers.
Sun Xiang was also full of expectations for his former teammate Elkeson in an interview, "He is not only familiar with the Chinese Super League, but also has proved himself in the Chinese Super League and the AFC Champions League, and for SIPG, he will have less time with the team." It should be said that Elkeson and Wu Lei, Gian and Conca will form a very strong frontcourt attack combination, and I believe that we will have a good result in the AFC Champions League qualification match on February 9. ”
When new people come, it means that old people have to leave. Since Eriksen had already determined that Heissen and David would leave the team before returning to Shanghai, the fans who greeted the team at Pudong Airport yesterday poured more enthusiasm into the two foreign aides who were about to leave the team.
Heyssen first appeared in the sights, and in the shout of "Heyssen, Heyssen", the Swedish striker met the fans' request for a group photo and autograph, and the fans also sent gifts that had been prepared long ago. In particular, several exquisite posters of him wearing a SHANGHAI jersey match made Heissen very moved.
Although Dawei's performance last season was not satisfactory, it was still difficult for everyone to give up their feelings for a year at the time of parting. At first, David hid in the crowd and appeared after the fans chanted his name. But under the infection of the fans, Dawei was also deeply touched by everyone's enthusiasm, revealing his trademark bright smile.
David, who had been silent before, finally spoke, "Although I will leave SIPG, my heart is always red." As for where his future is, David said that he will have to deal with the current contract with the club before considering it, but he very much wants to stay in China, "I like China, I also like the fans here, I am familiar with here, so I want to stay in China." ”
David also revealed that there are indeed clubs that have contacted him, but it is not convenient to disclose it now, "It is too early to ask me the name of the club, and I can't tell you." In addition, I have already been contacted by clubs in Brazil. “