The Huaxia Daily stated in its article that, based on interviews with his head coach and teammates, Wang Shuo is most recognized for his drive and professionalism.
"A healthy, balanced diet, good lifestyle habits, and a diligent attitude toward training—all these things have earned Wang Shuo unanimous praise from the team’s coaches, players, and staff, not just on the field, but in his daily practices as well."
"Thanks to his outstanding performance in the 2nd Bundesliga, Wang Shuo has already made a na for himself in Mainz, and even across the German Football Scene."
"But even so, he still insists on being the first to arrive at the training grounds every day, voluntarily puts in extra training, and consistently holds himself to an extrely high standard with strict self-discipline."
The Huaxia Daily stated, "As the most promising young player in the country right now, Wang Shuo’s persistence and dreams give people a profound sense of the vibrant energy embodied by the new generation of Chinese players!"
Finally, the Huaxia Daily concluded that whether or not Chinese soccer can make a full recovery depends on its ability to cultivate wave after wave of outstanding players like Wang Shuo.
"In recent years, the overall landscape of soccer has been in constant flux. The ’gold-dals-above-all’ ntality is being deeply re-examined, and competitive sports are undergoing a profound transformation."
"However, since the failure to qualify for the 2002 Korea and Japan World Cup, not a single Chinese player has dared to venture abroad, and Chinese soccer has sunk into a state of conservative self-isolation."
"Wang Shuo’s arrival has broken the ice that has encased Chinese soccer for years, opening a brand new Chapter for Chinese sports."
"Going abroad, undergoing the trials and tribulations of the most advanced European soccer, and integrating with the world’s top professional leagues—this is the crucial step to elevating the level of Chinese soccer and staging a successful coback!"
...
In addition to its print publication, the Huaxia Daily article was quickly posted on major news websites, sparking heated discussions among online users.
"So prestigious! Wang Shuo even made it into the Huaxia Daily!"
"He must be the first soccer player to be featured in the Huaxia Daily in years."
"Congratulations, Wang Shuo! This is his reward for all the hard work. Keep it up!"
"They really should call on all our players to learn from Wang Shuo. Very few dostic players have his kind of fighting spirit."
"Wang Shuo is such a good player—he has big dreams but is also down-to-earth and hardworking. Go for it!"
"It’s easy to chant the slogan ’go abroad,’ but has anyone considered the cost?"
"To the poster above, what do you an?"
"Reply: So dia outlets previously asked the Football Association if they would consider calling Wang Shuo up to the national team. The Football Association’s response was that since Wang Shuo is not a player registered with the Chinese Football Association, he is not eligible to join the national team."
"Oh my god, what’s going on?"
"This is so major drama. Wang Shuo isn’t eligible for the national team?"
"Who does the Football Association think they are?"
"You guys don’t know. Wang Shuo ca from the Huairun Football School. Ever heard of Gao Huairen? He’s a taboo subject within the Football Association."
"What’s the story behind that?"
"I’m not clear on the details, but Gao Huairen was the one blad for the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2002 Korea and Japan World Cup. There was no news about him after he stepped down. Rumor is he opened a soccer school in Hu City, which is where Wang Shuo ca from."
"I see. But now that even the most authoritative paper like the Huaxia Daily has weighed in, does the Football Association still dare to refuse Wang Shuo’s call-up?"
"Just wait and see. It’s not that simple."
"This is the tragedy of Chinese soccer! Such a great player, and he can’t even play for the national team!"
"If you ask , he should just join the Germany National Team. Wasn’t there news a couple of days ago that Germany’s head coach, Lővér, invited Wang Shuo’s teammate Subotic to join their national team? Wang Shuo should just join too and save himself the grief of coming back here to be mistreated!"
"I agree!"
"Wang Shuo’s parents and family are all in China. He won’t take German citizenship."
"I agree. He doesn’t seem like that kind of person."
"Oh, by the way, is Capital Television’s sports channel going to start broadcasting the new Bundesliga season again?"
"Lots of people have been asking them. They said they’re in negotiations and might even broadcast Mainz’s gas exclusively."
"That’s great! If they broadcast it here in China, it’ll be much more convenient to watch Wang Shuo’s matches."
"I can’t wait for the new Bundesliga season to start!"
" too!"
"I hope Wang Shuo plays well!"
...
「Germany, Mainz.」
At 5:00 AM, the alarm clock went off right on schedule.
Wang Shuo got out of bed and pulled open the curtains. It was still dark outside.
He slid open the window and took a deep breath of the crisp Mainz morning air, feeling instantly more awake.
He had moved to a new place for the sake of his training.
He moved from a studio apartnt in the residential area south of Mainz University to a small, single-story house north of the campus.
There was only one reason for the move: it was closer to Bruch Road Stadium.
But the rent was more expensive.
It didn’t matter, though. Wang Shuo now had roommates to split the rent.
Wang Shuo left his room and knocked on Schürrle’s and Subotic’s doors in turn.
"It’s ti. Get up."
Pitiful groans ca from within their rooms.
"I must have been crazy to agree to do special training with you!" That was Schürrle’s voice.
"Man, it’s not even light out," Subotic said as he opened the door, a look of utter despair on his face.
Wang Shuo ignored them and headed straight for the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face.
Before the final match of the season, Wang Shuo had signed a contract with Mainz that would officially take effect in September.
But that didn’t stop him from starting to collect his salary early.
On top of that, there was a signing bonus of 200,000 euros.
Currently, Wang Shuo’s annual salary was 800,000 euros, which was considered quite high on the Mainz squad—about the sa as Subotic’s.
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