Regrettably, the Chinese supporters who clung to a ray of hope that their country's finest footballer might have a change of heart and move on to new pastures got a reality check. 

In line with his previous declaration, Wu Lei has signed a contract extension with the relegated Espanyol after agreeing to "lower his salary considerably to adapt to the reality of the second division", the Spanish side announced in a statement on Monday.

A touch of glumness is understandable. There is no doubt that the indisputable talent of the Chinese striker, whose superb goal against Barcelona in January was constantly pulled up on highlight reels, belongs in the top tier. And, by the same token, the depressing fact that there will be not a single Chinese representative among Europe's top five leagues next season is hard to stomach.

However, Wu's decision to stick with Espanyol is not necessarily ill-judged. 

The 28-year-old could be paid much more handsomely elsewhere and if the reports from England are true and Wolves are his primary suitor, then such a move to the illustrious Premier League would be the gateway to a different type of career and a staggering level of commercial value.

Yet, in the grand scheme of things, staying loyal to Espanyol will not do Wu any harm. While the Barcelona-based side are a long way from staking a claim to being an established superpower, they offered an ideal environment for him to burnish his hard-earned credentials. 

Last season, despite the turbulence of playing under four different Espanyol managers, Wu notched eight goals and one assist in 49 appearances, which was a respectable return for an attacking player at La Liga's bottom team.

Moreover, his admirable work-rate throughout the coronavirus-disrupted campaign and exemplary behavior on and off the pitch have earned the respect of the coaching staff, his teammates and particularly Periquitos' fans, who took some convincing to merrily take a relative unknown player from China under their wings.

It could be too much of a gamble to give it all up and start anew. And to hammer home the point, this would be the moment to talk of Wu's desperate need to be a regular starter, and how disadvantaged he might be by having to rot on the bench or share his limited playing time with a more celebrated star in a football powerhouse.

Under the current circumstances, the former Shanghai SIPG talisman could further underline his devotion and audacity by propelling Espanyol forward next term, by leading them to a season that is not consumed with relegation dogfight, by showing the sort of tenacity and doggedness that have made him the most prolific homegrown Chinese Super League goalscorer of all time.