This is probably the first time that the Auckland City club has officially announced the arrival of a player at such a time. At 8 o'clock on March 1, the Oceanian giant club officially announced the news of Zhou Tong's joining, and it was already 13 o'clock in New Zealand time. Auckland City's idea is clear, to get a good midfielder and use him to get into the field of view of Chinese fans. Zhou Tong said eight words: enjoy football and never forget your original intention.
There is only one reason why the Chinese Super League chose to play in Auckland City, and that is for the family.
This is probably the first time that the Auckland City club has officially announced the arrival of a player at such a time. At 8 o'clock on March 1, the Oceanian giant club officially announced the news of Zhou Tong's joining, and it was already 13 o'clock in New Zealand time. Auckland City's idea is clear, to get a good midfielder and use him to get into the field of view of Chinese fans. Zhou Tong said eight words: enjoy football and never forget your original intention.
There is only one reason why the Chinese Super League chose to play in Auckland City, and that is for the family.
In the second half of last year, Zhou Tong was already entangled, his wife wanted to continue her studies, did he follow or not? At that time, I could only comfort him like this: Look again, maybe the football environment has become better, and then you will be reluctant to leave. What happened later is known, between family and football, Zhou Tongyi chose the former without hesitation.
Zhou Tong said in an official interview with Auckland City: "In my career, my family has always given me the greatest support, especially my wife, so coming to New Zealand helps to achieve her goals, and I want to give my wife the best support.
In 2015, Zhou Tong joined TEDA, came to live in Tianjin, met his wife, and found his happiness. Since then, he has forged an indissoluble bond with the city. Later, the child was born, and at that time, he needed the care of his family, and Zhou Tong faced the test of the three-year competition system, and he could understand the feelings he wanted to express behind his words.
Last year, an incident happened that made Zhou Tong finally make up his mind to accompany his family. The outbreak was detected in the community where Zhou Tong's family was located, and it was very close, and he was playing with the team in Haikou at this time. What Zhou Tong can do is to let his family go out less and stay at home as much as possible. For the very responsible Zhou Tong, this life is undoubtedly an ordeal.
Of course, for Zhou Tong, the biggest regret is that he cannot appear in front of the home fans. In 2021, when Zhou Tong joined Jinmen Tigers, a certain club still hated him quite much, and even wanted to stop the transfer.
Regarding the past, Zhou Tong said: I must send my sincerest wishes to the club, and I am always grateful to the club and Mr. Yu for accepting me and giving me the same trust as my family during the difficult stage when I was vilified!
Originally, I accompanied my wife to study abroad, but I found a suitable job in the local area, which is the best two-way rush in the world.
How do I get acquainted with Auckland City? Zhou Tong said very simply: I would like to thank the fans and friends who have always followed and supported me for helping to establish a positive and efficient contact channel with Auckland City FC. Of course, Auckland City FC is no stranger to Zhou Tong, because the team's assistant coach Vickelic has represented the Shenzhen Red Diamonds and he is still familiar with the Chinese Super League.
In order to invite Zhou Tong, the president of the club took him to personally visit the club's honor room. In addition to being satisfied with Zhou Tong's resume and skills, the club also gave high praise to his character and English level, all of which helped Zhou Tong quickly integrate into the team.
For Chinese players, staying in the ocean is not an easy task. The day before Auckland City officially announced Zhou Tong's joining, Swiss Grasshopper announced Li Lei's departure. However, it seems that Zhou Tong's stay in the ocean this time has the prerequisite for success: his family lives in Auckland, has no language barrier, and has adapted to local life.
For the 33-year-old, his goal is clear, to establish himself in the team and strive to participate in the Club World Cup. Of course, Zhou Tong still has his own careful thoughts hidden in his heart: I will do my best to let more people see the positive football attitude and hard work of Chinese footballers.
In the past two years, Zhou Tong has left many bright spots in Jinmen Tiger. In the 2021 season, he provided an assist in the final moments against Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic, making a great contribution to the team's relegation. In the 2022 season, he came off the bench against Changchun Yatai and scored two wonderful goals to win the best player of that round.
In the future, everyone expects Zhou Tong to continue to play wonderfully. Before officially stepping onto the New Zealand arena, Zhou Tong had vision, motivation, gratitude, and helplessness. Here to bless Zhou Tong, bless every lone brave who goes overseas to play football.
In the second half of last year, Zhou Tong was already entangled, his wife wanted to continue her studies, did he follow or not? At that time, I could only comfort him like this: Look again, maybe the football environment has become better, and then you will be reluctant to leave. What happened later is known, between family and football, Zhou Tongyi chose the former without hesitation.
Zhou Tong said in an official interview with Auckland City: "In my career, my family has always given me the greatest support, especially my wife, so coming to New Zealand helps to achieve her goals, and I want to give my wife the best support.
In 2015, Zhou Tong joined TEDA, came to live in Tianjin, met his wife, and found his happiness. Since then, he has forged an indissoluble bond with the city. Later, the child was born, and at that time, he needed the care of his family, and Zhou Tong faced the test of the three-year competition system, and he could understand the feelings he wanted to express behind his words.
Last year, an incident happened that made Zhou Tong finally make up his mind to accompany his family. The outbreak was detected in the community where Zhou Tong's family was located, and it was very close, and he was playing with the team in Haikou at this time. What Zhou Tong can do is to let his family go out less and stay at home as much as possible. For the very responsible Zhou Tong, this life is undoubtedly an ordeal.
Of course, for Zhou Tong, the biggest regret is that he cannot appear in front of the home fans. In 2021, when Zhou Tong joined Jinmen Tigers, a certain club still hated him quite much, and even wanted to stop the transfer.
Regarding the past, Zhou Tong said: I must send my sincerest wishes to the club, and I am always grateful to the club and Mr. Yu for accepting me and giving me the same trust as my family during the difficult stage when I was vilified!
Originally, I accompanied my wife to study abroad, but I found a suitable job in the local area, which is the best two-way rush in the world.
How do I get acquainted with Auckland City? Zhou Tong said very simply: I would like to thank the fans and friends who have always followed and supported me for helping to establish a positive and efficient contact channel with Auckland City FC. Of course, Auckland City FC is no stranger to Zhou Tong, because the team's assistant coach Vickelic has represented the Shenzhen Red Diamonds and he is still familiar with the Chinese Super League.
In order to invite Zhou Tong, the president of the club took him to personally visit the club's honor room. In addition to being satisfied with Zhou Tong's resume and skills, the club also gave high praise to his character and English level, all of which helped Zhou Tong quickly integrate into the team.
For Chinese players, staying in the ocean is not an easy task. The day before Auckland City officially announced Zhou Tong's joining, Swiss Grasshopper announced Li Lei's departure. However, it seems that Zhou Tong's stay in the ocean this time has the prerequisite for success: his family lives in Auckland, has no language barrier, and has adapted to local life.
For the 33-year-old, his goal is clear, to establish himself in the team and strive to participate in the Club World Cup. Of course, Zhou Tong still has his own careful thoughts hidden in his heart: I will do my best to let more people see the positive football attitude and hard work of Chinese footballers.
In the past two years, Zhou Tong has left many bright spots in Jinmen Tiger. In the 2021 season, he provided an assist in the final moments against Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic, making a great contribution to the team's relegation. In the 2022 season, he came off the bench against Changchun Yatai and scored two wonderful goals to win the best player of that round.
In the future, everyone expects Zhou Tong to continue to play wonderfully. Before officially stepping onto the New Zealand arena, Zhou Tong had vision, motivation, gratitude, and helplessness. Here to bless Zhou Tong, bless every lone brave who goes overseas to play football.