Tackling China with Anthony Modeste: Chinese Super League is hard work

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CGTN Sports Scene has recently done an exclusive interview with Tianjin Quanjian's Anthony Modeste who will be the first guest on the new season of Tackling China.

The French forward used to play in the Bundesliga for Cologne from 2015 to 2017. Then he joined the Chinese Super League in 2017, and has scored 7 goals in 8 appearances in the last season.

During the 2018 season, he also achieved impressive results: scoring three goals in 4 appearances so far.

The 29-year-old sat down with CGTN's reporter Mike Fox, and talked about his difficult transitioning period and his hopes for Tianjin Quanjian in the new season.

“That was very difficult for me,” said Modeste, “to be honest it’s not my first choice coming here to Tianjin Quanjian, from my family’s perspective, it was also very hard, because they cannot come here with me. But now that I’m here, I have to do my best, for the club and for my teammates.”

During his time in Cologne, Modeste had a fantastic goal-scoring record.

Anthony Modeste celebrates with his Tianjin Quanjian teammates during the AFC Champions League match. /VCG Photo

Modeste also talked about the differences between the Chinese Super League (CSL) and European leagues. Saying, the technique is not as strong in CSL, but the hard part is the physical exertion. The CSL is very physically demanding, even for players who have good techniques from European leagues.

Tianjin Quanjian reached third place last year, and got into the Champions league, which should help the team’s future development.