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In the world of football, the story is often more exciting than the game itself.
Recently, a story about dreams, belonging, and "should I go" has been quietly playing out in the football world.
The protagonist is Zhou Dingyang from Taiwan Province, a third-generation Chinese player born and raised in England, and his story is a little embarrassing for the Football Association.
Let's talk about Zhou Dingyang first.
Well, this guy was born in 1994, which coincided with the Football World Cup, I don't know if it's because of this, he has a soft spot for football.
To talk about his stature, wow, it's as big as a hill, standing on the court is like a moving barrier.
Coupled with his ball skills, hey, it's definitely not covered, it's just a dark horse, and he could have brushed his presence in international football.
But his football path, oops, is not easy to walk.
Once, he went back to Taiwan Province to visit relatives, but was targeted by scouts.
Looking at his stature and his ball skills, the scouts were as excited as ants dancing in their pants.
Some said, "This kid is simply talented!"
Some said, "Well, it looks like a lion king!"
Then he handed him the contract and was ready to pull him into the team.
But as a result, that's called a fool.
It turned out that there were still some so-called "unspoken rules" that put his cooperation with the Taiwan provincial team in jeopardy
, in the end, it was not possible to negotiate.
Then, everyone thought that he would usher in the invitation of the national football team, but he refused the invitation of the Chinese Football Association with the sentence "no, thank you".
This is a bit confusing and a bit surprising.
After all, it is not a trivial matter to be able to enter the national football team, it is the kind of major event that can make you instantly popular all over the Internet.
But Zhou Dingyang is different, it seems that he has his own plans.
It may be that you don't want to be bound by the "unspoken rules", or you may feel it
There is a better way out for himself, in short, he has chosen a path that he is optimistic about.
Two heavyweights in the football industry, the famous screenwriter Wang Haiyang and the "Chinese player research expert" He Xiaolong, had a brainstorming on whether Zhou Dingyang could join the national football team.
Wang Haiyang, the screenwriter who usually writes well in the script, suddenly became interested in football, he was as curious as a child who had just learned to walk, "Can Zhou Dingyang join us? Is there a back door?"
Then, it was He Xiaolong's turn to appear.
This so-called "Chinese player research expert" sounds like the kind of god who deals with player data every day and can memorize player information well.
After listening to Wang Haiyang's question, he gave a cold answer, just like the door of an ice cream shop in the summer that suddenly told you that it was "sold out": "Brother, it's too late."
Zhou Dingyang has long played an international A-level competition for the Taiwan provincial team, and the door to naturalization has long been closed for him.
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Their conversation, although it sounds a bit like a humorous dialogue in Friends, actually reveals a less optimistic reality: even if the Chinese Football Association is willing to roll out the red carpet to Zhou Dingyang's doorstep, things are not so simple.
It's not just a question of "can't", it's more of a "how" puzzle.
Let's take a look at Zhou Dingyang himself.
The veteran, who has been in the football world for many years, has recently become a hot topic in football gossip.
However, it may not be the same as everyone thinks, Lao Zhou is very calm about these bustles, and it can even be said that he is a little "doing his own thing".
Why? Let me elaborate.
First of all, we have to understand that Zhou Dingyang, a buddy, has a stage in his life that is far more than that green field.
Yes, he loves football, but he loves his little family even more.
Especially considering that his baby is about to return to the UK to continue his education, which makes the family balance more important in his heart.
In other words, for Zhou Dingyang, family is his championship trophy and the eternal home in his heart.
Again, we have to mention that joining the national football team sounds glamorous, but for a veteran like Zhou Dingyang, there is not much sweetness behind it.
Even if he wears the national team jersey, he doesn't necessarily guarantee that he will be able to stand on the pitch every game, enjoying the cheers of the fans and the chase of the flashing lights.
Lao Zhou knows in his heart that behind the scenery on the football field are countless people
training and competition, which is too much for a person who is about to turn his focus to family.
The most important thing is that Zhou Dingyang, a buddy, showed his clear plan for his future and a mature understanding of reality when he made this decision.
He knows that he has gone through his best chapter on the road of football.
Now, he is about to start another chapter in his life - as a father, accompany his children to grow up, and as a husband, share the joy of family with his family.
Some might say that Zhou Dingyang's choice shows his retreat, but in my opinion, it just reflects his courage and wisdom as a man and a father.
He was not swayed by the voices of the outside world, but made the most suitable choice for himself according to his own situation.
This ability can be much more difficult than scoring one goal after another on the football field.
Let's talk about Zhou Dingyang's story again!
First of all, let's talk about his choice.
Unlike those players who are bent on dominating international football, Zhou Dingyang seems to have a clear plan for his life.
For him, football is important, but family is paramount.
Especially considering that his children are about to go back to school in the UK, which makes his life purpose clearer.
So, even if their invitation was in front of him, he refused without hesitation.
This kind of "family first" value has to be admired.
Secondly, for the Chinese Football Association, Zhou Dingyang's choice may be a wake-up call.
In the pursuit of player naturalization, it is essential to respect the player's personal wishes and career plans.
After all, the glory and splendor on the football field are far less precious than the choices one makes in one's own life.
Perhaps, this is exactly what the Chinese Football Association needs to re-examine.
Finally, we have to understand that in the world of football, everyone is looking for their own place.
Some people want to be superstars on the pitch, and some prefer to spend time with their families off the pitch.
It's all a normal choice.
Football should be the starting point for happiness and dreams, not synonymous with bondage and pressure.
So, perhaps, we should return football to its rightful place, so that everyone who sets foot on the pitch can enjoy and chase their dreams.