Pavel Nedved: I want to see more Chinese players in European leagues
Updated 20:27, 17-Dec-2019
Li Xiang
04:59

Pavel Nedved, football legend of the Czech Republic, recently had an interview with CCTV5 and shared his opinions on several issues on Chinese football.

Since he became the brand ambassador of the Chinese Super League (CSL) in 2016, Nedved has been visiting China regularly every year to attend CSL-related events. This time, not only did he appear at the CSL Awards Ceremony in Shanghai on December 7, he also played a football game with children.

Pavel Nedved (C) at the Awards Ceremony of the Chinese Super League in east China's Shanghai, December 7, 2019.

Pavel Nedved (C) at the Awards Ceremony of the Chinese Super League in east China's Shanghai, December 7, 2019.

"I believe I've visited China more than 10 times, at least. I don't know if I can pronounce the places (I have been to) correctly. I've been to Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, Hebei, Tianjin and other places that I can't remember," said Nedved.

"Playing with children just made my day. I was filled with good energy. I hope they (children) can enjoy it too. I can also feel their passion for football."

Pavel Nedevd (L) hands the trophy of Player of the Year to Wu Lei (L) of Shanghai SIPG at the awards, November 21, 2018.

Pavel Nedevd (L) hands the trophy of Player of the Year to Wu Lei (L) of Shanghai SIPG at the awards, November 21, 2018.

One year ago at the awards ceremony in Haikou of south China's Hainan Province, Nedeved, as guest, handed trophies to Chinese striker Wu Lei, who played for the Shanghai SIPG back then. Though Wu departed to join La Liga's RCD Espanyol since then, Nedved still remembers him.

"I know he is playing in La Liga now. He impressed me because I handed him the Golden Boot at last year's awards. He has a good chance to learn more and get more experience (in La Liga). I hope I can see more Chinese players in the major European leagues in the future."

Pavel Nedved (R) of Juventus and Kevin De Bruyne (L) of Manchester City

Pavel Nedved (R) of Juventus and Kevin De Bruyne (L) of Manchester City

Before Nedved hung up his boots, he was well-known for running ceaselessly, great vision on the field and scoring ability in key occasions. When asked which of today's players shares his style, Nedved gave his answer.

"I think there are quite a few of them. But if I must pick one. I will go with Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City. He is both a passer and a scorer. We share a lot on the field."