Zhao Jiwei returns after surgery in Madrid

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Liaoning Flying Leopards point guard Zhao Jiwei has arrived back in China after surgery in Madrid following 131 days out with a fractured left ankle.

Fans held up banners and photos at Shenyang airport Sunday morning, to welcome Zhao back. He received flowers, cheers, and hugs after being away for four months.

Zhao hurt his ankle after falling during a warm-up game in August. The fall broke two ligaments and left fractures in three places on his left ankle.

He missed the Asian Games and then chose to go to Madrid for surgery and recovery treatment. The operation was successful and he continued to watch his team's games from overseas.

It has been a long and agonizing recovery, without friends and family members being abroad with him. Extremely eager to return, the focus is now on Liaoning's CBA season and returning to the national team in time for the FIBA World Cup, which is in China, next year.

"I have two wishes, and one is that our team could defend the title in the CBA and I can take on the rings with my teammates," said Zhao.

"Another is that the national team could have an excellent performance in the World Cup, and I must be a member of the team."