Cristiano Ronaldo is currently on a three-day tour in China.
When one mentions the Chinese Super League these days, just a single word fills the mind of avid football fans; money. A new reform inducted by the Chinese government, corporate bodies and investors in the country, has seen a lot of football stars heading into the Asian country.
Of course, the journey of these renowned players isn’t just motivated by their dumpling cravings but, primarily, the lure of money. Nonetheless, aside the stakeholders splashing a lot of bucks on these heavyweights in the game, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been linked with a move to the lucrative league, sees loads of potential in Chinese Football.
The 32-year-old superstar first appeared in Shangai on Saturday to meet his fans and, later, witnessed the 2:2 draw between Shangai SIPG and Guangzhou Evergrande at the Shangai Stadium on Saturday, July 22.
He then boarded a helicopter to Beijing, where he momentarily mentored some of China’s young footballers in the Nike League. On the subject of the future of Chinese football and fan-base, this is what the Portuguese ace told ESPN’s Matty Smith in an up-close and personal interview.
Congratulations to the Nike League champions. The future of football is yours. Work hard and #Playfree #CR7LIVE @nikefootball pic.twitter.com/cWmKdKKs5G
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 23, 2017
“Chinese football has huge potential.
“Me being here is because I know a huge percentage of my fans are here in Asia.
Would you nail this Nike freekick challenge? #CR7LIVE #Shangai #China
[Video credit: IG – Cristiano] pic.twitter.com/r6ZSDbMDqa
— CRonaldoDaily.com (@BreatheRonaldo) July 23, 2017
“I remember when I first came here with Manchester United, I felt the power of these people.
“I am really grateful to Nike for giving me this opportunity to meet my unbelievable fans.
“You work to improve your level year by year and these people give you the motivation to work even harder with more dedication.
“Sometimes you just realize how important you are and the love of the people when you are actually with them in person.
” I feel so honored and happy.”
