By CGTN's Mu Dan
Chinese football is enjoying the influence of an increasing number of former English Premier League figures. After spending 22 years with the Gunners and six years in Azerbaijan, Arsenal legend Tony Adams seemed poised for another coaching job. But when an opportunity turned up in China, he was happy to seize the chance.
Tony Adams was captain of both Arsenal and the England national team. /Imgarcade.com
“I met the Chinese owner of Chongqing Lifan. But I made a mistake. I sent him a video of my projects in Azerbaijan. And he said, agh, you built a club, you built a club in Azerbaijan. Come and build a club for me, come and be a sports director.”
Though perhaps not the direction Adams was hoping for, the Englishman accepted the offer and landed in Chongqing in July last year where he became Lifan’s sports director and head of the team’s youth development. After six months with the Chinese Super League (CSL) side, Adams still hopes to return to a managerial role.
Tony Adams(L) with Chongqing Lifan's new shareholder Jiang Lizhang. /CFP Photo
“I keep saying to the owner that you do realize I have come here to coach. I have not found my club yet. I have not found my place. I always said in my last job, I always work for the owner. And where my services are best needed and wanted, that is what I will do,“ Adams told CGTN’s Dan Williams in an exclusive interview.
For the past decade, Chongqing have bounced between the top two divisions of Chinese football, and currently sit in 8th position in the 16-team CSL. But Adams believes everything is on the right track and he thinks highly of China’s future in the beautiful game.
Adams greeted by the former Chongqing defender Yang Yun. /CFP Photo
“China’s in the football race. I think their future is very bright. They've got the numbers and they’ve got the determination. I firmly believe they’ve got the world’s attention. They don’t need to buy anymore, they need to put it into the infrastructure. And it won’t be long, they will go past the Brits for sure.”
