Zihao, congratulations on the Chinese New Year! Can you tell us what this celebration means in China?
Thank you! Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important holiday for Chinese people. Just the same as its literal meaning, it means the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year. People celebrate this holiday and say goodbye to the past year and make way for the incoming good luck.
How do you, your friends, and family usually celebrate it?
Usually, on the New Year's Eve of the Chinese New Year, we have an annual reunion dinner and we watch football together. Also, my parents give lucky money in red envelopes to my little cousins, wishing that they study harder and remain healthy all year long.
You were a student in St. Petersburg, so are you familiar with Russian traditions? Are there any similarities between Chinese New Year and any Russian celebrations?
I think there are similarities in some aspects. One of the similar traditions is to wish a “Happy New Year” to everyone you meet during the holidays. Also, many people visit their friends or relatives in the morning of the first day of the Chinese new year, which is very similar to the new year in Russia.
You’re the editor of Zenit’s Chinese language site. What does that mean for you?
Firstly, I want to say a big “Thank you” to our club, for giving me the honor to run our Chinese website. From running this site, I can share the latest news for Chinese football fans who have difficulties reading the English or Russian news. What's more, being the editor, I know that there are many Chinese Zenit fans. It’s a pleasure to talk to them!
Do you know about any other Russian clubs with Chinese language websites?
No, I cannot find other Russian club’s Chinese website. Zenit are the first!
Are Russian football and Zenit well-known in China?
Yes. Because of the outstanding achievement in Euro 2008, many Chinese football fans know Arshavin, Kerzhakov, and other famous football players. Also, thanks to the Champions League, they are very familiar with our club! Plus now Witsel, AVB and Hulk have come to play in the Chinese Premier League this has made Zenit even more famous.
With all the big-name players moving to the Chinese premier league, it's becoming a talked-about subject. What do you think about the growth of football in China?
I believe that it will still take time to see a significant improvement in the Chinese national football team. For the league, the differences between international stars and Chinese players, from attitudes to techniques, are enormous. It may take at least ten years and a lot of money to bring kids back to the football pitches.
What is your Chinese team? Can you tell us about any young Chinese players who’ll be stars in the future?
Personally speaking, my favorite team is Beijing Guoan, although its supporters are always being teased for bragging by other teams’ fans. I still love the Beijing players because like Zenit, they concentrate on skilled passing and fast-paced matches. To be honest, there are few young Chinese players because of the education system in China. However, I want to recommend Zhang Yuning, who currently plays for Vitesse in the Eredivisie. He just turned 20 years old, but he is seen as the only hope of Chinese soccer. As a striker, he is robust and smart, knowing how to use his advantage to score. I think we could buy him for our future! (We'll pass that on to Mr Lucescu - Ed.)
The second half of the season is upon us; how do you think we’ll get on?As Criscito said in his interview, it might be hard to win Russian Super League this season, but from our performance at the Gazprom Camp, I have confidence that we can at least win a ticket to European Champions League. Also, I believe in Dzyuba and Giuliano as well as other Zenit players! God bless us!
Happy New Year, Zihao. We wish you all the best! And if you're a Chinese Zenit fan be sure to check out - cn.fc-zenit.ru
