Brazilian forward Hulk keen to 'make history' in China

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Brazilian forward Hulk said on Thursday that he hopes to leave an indelible mark at Shanghai SIPG as the club aims for a maiden Chinese Super League (CSL) title.

The Chinese Red Devils have a four-point lead at the top of the league thanks to six wins and a draw in their opening seven matches.

Hulk has been a key part of the team's prolific attack, scoring four times in the domestic league and once in the Asian Champions League this year.

"I want to make history," Hulk told Brazilian sports news service Globo Esporte. "I hope to make the most of my time here and leave as an idol for the club. I want to make the investment in me worthwhile."

Shanghai SIPG' Brazilian forward Hulk (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Champions League group football match against Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds in Shanghai, March 15, 2017. /VCG Photo

"Every time I walk onto the pitch I aim to do my best. I am very well respected in the club, in the city, in the country, and I hope that continues. I want to be sure that I do my best to help the Shanghai SIPG and Chinese football."

The 31-year-old, who will play the 600th match of his professional career against Changchun Yatai on Sunday, urged his teammates to remain level-headed following their barnstorming start to the season.

"We had a good pre-season and made sure that we started the official competitions in the best condition possible," he said. "But we have to remember that the season has only just begun. We can't get ahead of ourselves. We must stay humble and work hard so that we can have the maximum success possible."

SIPG's Brazilian forward Hulk (L) in action against Changchun Yatai FC /VCG Photo

Hulk joined Shanghai SIPG midway through the 2016 season from Russian outfit Zenit Saint Petersburg.

He scored eight goals in his first campaign before netting 29 times in 43 matches last year. He hopes that he and his teammates can continue in their current form for the rest of 2018.

"That's what I'm hoping for," Hulk said. "Last year we didn't manage to win any titles despite having played very well. This year is going to be different. We're more focused and working hard."

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency