Chinese footballer Xie Chunjun, 17, was excited to join Germany's under-19 record champion Stuttgart and dreamed of playing professional football in Europe and representing China in international competitions.
by Liu Yang and Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Xie Chujun might have let out the loudest scream of his life last summer when VfB Stuttgart, Germany's under-19 record champion, gave him a call.
Filled with excitement and joy, the 17-year-old Chinese player eagerly answered the call from the 10-time title winner and signed a contract lasting until 2026.
"I couldn't believe it. I was so happy, and I guess that's why I screamed while sitting in the car with my parents," Xie, whose English name is Alexander, told Xinhua in an interview.
The midfielder represents an unusual story in Chinese football. He became only the third Chinese player to compete in the UEFA Youth League, following Lin Liangming and Yan Dinghao, when his new club defeated Atalanta 4-1.
"I am Chinese," the former FSV Frankfurt midfielder said.
"It's the only passport and nationality I have," he added, despite being born in Australia and having lived in Germany for nearly six years now.
His ties to China remain strong: "Despite my life overseas, my family comes from China. We go there regularly on vacation."
With determination, he speaks about his big dreams, such as making it into professional football in a European league and playing for China's national team.
"I will be delighted to wear the Chinese shirt, starting with the youth teams. That's one of my goals. I hope more will follow," he said while gaining ground in his new team, despite only arriving in September without having participated in the pre-season training.
As Xie works toward making his dreams a reality, his Stuttgart coach Nico Willig sees his potential as promising.
"He came late but made rapid progress. Alex is a solid and diligent player, with good technical skills and the ability to use both feet," said the 43-year-old former first-division coach.
While playing in the under-19 age group, "he and we need to be patient and continue to make progress."
From Willig's perspective, being chosen by one of the country's most successful youth development clubs is the first step for Xie. "He needs to improve his physicality and game intensity. He is doing well and is on a promising path."
Confidence comes with playing time, Willig said. Making it into the starting eleven by next season is a realistic goal. "Those who become regulars in our under-19 team often make it into professional football."
Being fluent in Chinese, English, and German has helped Xie adapt smoothly. "It's a big step to Stuttgart, but I am confident I can make it. Stuttgart is a great opportunity for me."
Admiring former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta and German international Angelo Stiller at Stuttgart serves as an inspiring source for the young Chinese player's progress.
"I can read the game well because I love the game," Xie said, acknowledging that further effort is required.
The youngster added that he feels comfortable balancing both school education and sports. Attending one of the club's partner schools in Fellbach, near Stuttgart, allows him to pursue his football dreams without neglecting his academics.
Xie's transfer reflects Stuttgart's close connection to China, as the club's board member Rouven Kasper explained.
"His signing is not a marketing move; it's his quality and potential that made us reach out to him," said Kasper, who lived in Shanghai for six years.
Xie spoke about his favorite position as a number eight and his favorite Chinese dish, hot pot. Spending holidays in China always feels like coming home, he added. ■
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