Naturalized player Li Ke renewed his contract with Guoan until the end of the year Frankly said that he had no plan B and wanted to play more games when he returned from a serious injury

As the new season approaches, the Guoan players on the training ground are more engaged in training, and everyone hopes to get a place in the squad for the new season. And 30-year-old Li Ke is undoubtedly the one who is most eager to be recognized and affirmed. Since the 2021 season, in the past two years, the naturalized player has only played 3 games for Guoan, and the rest of the time has been battling injuries, and people even thought that he would leave Guoan to end this journey in the Chinese Super League.

But Li Ke, who did not admit defeat, did not bow to the difficulties, and three consecutive major injuries did not make him retreat, but aroused his fighting spirit. In this past winter training, Li Ke practiced very hard, not only because he was working hard to renew his contract, but also to prove his ability to become a member of the national security team. On the morning of the 30th, the national security official announced that he had renewed his contract with Li Ke until the end of this year, and Li Wei, who was in his thirties, would start his fifth national security season. In an exclusive interview with a reporter from Beijing Youth Daily, Li Ke made it clear that he did not have a so-called "plan B" when he came back this time, that is, he was going all out to fight for a position of his own, and he was not afraid of any challenges and competition.

Three major injuries Returned to the ring with firm conviction

Beijing Youth Daily: How is your overall physical condition now? Have you completely recovered from injury?

Li Ke: Yes, except for a minor injury to the muscle, the previous injury has completely recovered, and it can be said that there is basically no injury trouble. It also cleared the way for me to get back into the team and everything is going in a good direction.

Beijing Youth Daily: In the past few years of fighting injuries, what have you relied on to persevere?

Li Ke: Actually, it relies on a kind of faith. I and the people around me want to get back in the team as soon as possible, and it's this energy that keeps pushing me to work hard to recover and complete the tasks assigned by the trainer. Three injuries in a row were no small difficulty, but the conviction helped me overcome it and encouraged me to keep going.

Beijing Youth Daily: Did you make any other plans before you came back? If it's not approved by the team, do you have a so-called plan B?

Li Ke: Actually, my "Plan B" is to better fulfill the "Plan A" (laughs). My goal when I came back was also clear, which was to impress the coach as well as possible in training, and of course, I had the confidence to get that recognition and get a contract extension. In addition to playing well in Guoan, I also hope to continue to play for my country, which is also my goal.

Thirty and Thirty eager to play more games in the new season

Beijing Youth Daily: What is the biggest feeling of returning to national security this year's winter training?

Li Ke: The biggest feeling is that I am very happy to finally be able to come back here and help the team through my efforts. There are some new faces in the squad and there are opportunities to beat better results. For me, coming back and playing every game is what I want to do the most.

Beijing Youth Daily: During this winter training, did you have direct communication with the head coach? What is his position on the team?

Li Ke: Yes, I had a conversation with Stanley as soon as I returned to the team, including my physical condition, training plan, etc. He still wants me to play more in one or two positions in the middle of the midfield to play my best.

Beijing Youth Daily: There is an old Chinese saying that "standing at thirty", do you have any special goals when entering this age group?

Li Ke: For myself, I hope to use my past experience to help those in difficult situations, give them spiritual strength and support, and enable them to achieve their goals. Another important goal is to play as many games as possible this season, after all, I haven't played much in the past few years.

Not afraid of competition I believe that I can spell out the main position

Beijing Youth Daily: Guoan has made a lot of signings this season, especially with two excellent foreign players (Sousa and Ademi) in the midfield position, what do you think of their arrival?

Li Ke: It's definitely a commendable thing for the team, it shows the club's ambition for the new season, and everyone needs such high-level players to join if they want to win the championship. I've been team-mates with high-level players for the last few years and I'm familiar with the feeling and welcome them.

Beijing Youth Daily: You are bound to encounter unprecedented competition in the new season, how do you see your prospects in the team? Are you open to the role change?

Li Ke: It's not a problem for me, I've never been afraid of competition, and now the goal is to compete for a main position, so I will try to perform in training to prove that I deserve the opportunity to play, and I think this competition is a virtuous cycle.

Beijing Youth Daily: It's been a long time since you last played for Guoan, are you very eager to return to the arena?

Li Ke: You're right, I haven't played for Guoan for a long time, and that's one of the motivations for me to train hard. I am eager to compete, eager to prove that I am still capable of being part of the national security. I know that maybe I'll have to wait for my chance on the bench at first, but that's okay, I'm going to prove that I'm capable of getting back into the starting line-up.

Thank you to the fans This season is a great opportunity to compete for the title

Beijing Youth Daily: Do you have anything to say to the Guoan fans who have been looking forward to your return?

Li Ke: Of course, first of all, I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and patience. Especially during such a difficult period of my career, I was very touched by the attention and encouragement that the fans have always given me. I'm sure it's going to be an exciting experience for us to get back on the pitch and watch the game, and I'm looking forward to that day."

Beijing Youth Daily: In the new season, Guoan will return to the work body, have you been to the new work body? Are there any special expectations for playing there?

Li Ke: Unfortunately, I haven't felt it so far, but since I was recovering in the UK, I have been paying attention to the changes in the new work, and I have received pictures from friends. It can be said that the new work body is magnificent, and I hope to play wonderful games there and dedicate myself to every Guoan fan.

Beijing Youth Daily: Do you think this season is another good opportunity for Guoan to win the championship?

Li Ke: Yes, especially after our squad has completed another upgrade, this year should be a good opportunity for us to win the championship. Of course, for us, we need to play every game well, build a solid foundation and move towards the championship step by step.

Text/Beiqing Sports Zhang Kunlong