Wu Lei aims to prove Chinese players can compete with the best

World
Europe

Chinese ace footballer Wu Lei has shrugged off the pressure of becoming only the second Chinese player to join the Spanish league, insisting he has what it takes to gain a foothold in Europe.

The 27-year-old was unveiled as Espanyol's latest new signing at the RCDE Stadium on Tuesday.

The China international, one of the most sought-after strikers in Asia, inked a three-year deal with the Catalan side before being presented with the club's No. 24 shirt.

He then took to the pitch to be paraded in front of the media and fans and managed to perform the traditional keepy-uppies with relative ease, despite suffering a serious left shoulder injury during this month's Asian Cup, where his team were knocked out by Iran in the quarter-finals.

China's Wu Lei shows off his skills with some traditional keepy-uppies in front of the media and fans at the RCDE Stadium on January 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

Wu, who is scheduled to travel to Germany for surgery to treat his shoulder after his unveiling, faces up to three months on sidelines, but he is looking to pick up where he left off in the Chinese Super League, where he won the Golden Boot last campaign with 27 strikes.

"I'm really happy to join La Liga because it is one of the best leagues in the world," Wu beamed. "To be able to play in Europe is a dream come true and I think I am mature enough to take on this challenge."

Wu's compatriot Zhang Chengdong played for La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano back in 2015 but the defender is largely deemed as a failure, given his toil and struggle both on and off the pitch.

Wu Lei holds his new jersey during his unveiling by Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on January 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

Wu revealed that he had reached out to Zhang for advice ahead of his transfer to Spain. "I talked with him about the move and he briefed me about the style of play of each La Liga team.

"I know I have to deal with cultural differences and adapt to the pace and the tempo of the game here. Surely, I will be under a lot of pressure to deliver but it will also be a big motivation."

Wu Lei poses for selfies with adoring fans at the RCDE Stadium on January 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

"There are not many Chinese players who have been able to show their talents in Europe. Hopefully, I can play out my full potential here," said Wu, who also admitted he has stepped up his Spanish lessons.

"I want to let the world know that there are players in China who can gain a foothold in the top European leagues."