The Brazilian striker Elkesonhas changed his name as he prepares to help China to qualify for the World Cup 2022.
Elkeson celebrates with China’s Guangzhou Evergrande Getty Images
The 30-year-old, who has been playing in the super league China since 2013, he became a naturalized person in early August and was summoned on Wednesday by the team of China for their first qualifying match for the World Cup 2022 in the Maldives in September.
now known in China What Ai Kesenthe former star of Botafogo told fans on social media that he is now one of them.
«In addition to winning many championships and honors on the football field, I have been very happy in China in recent years,» he said. Elkeson. «Now I want to say that I am Chinese and I love this country. I want to repay all the love and care you have given me over the years. I hope to have your support as always.»
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The top scorer in the super league China in 2013 and 2014 has downloaded their new national anthem on their phone, and according to reports in Chinais preparing to sing it against Maldives in case the head coach Marcello name him in the starting lineup.
Lippiwho led to Italy to 2006 World Cupwas hired by China for a second term in May, as the country looks to make a second appearance in the world Cup after its debut in 2002. Elkeson it is an important part of those plans.
«Football is booming in Chinaand the Chinese team has no reason not to enter the world cupor,» he added Elkeson. «Football is so important to me. China as it is for the countries of Europe and South America«.
In fact, Elkeson (Brazil, 1989) will not be the first unborn in China in playing with the national team: the former player of the Arsenal Li Ke -whose name in English is Nico Yennaris– He already has.
The midfielder of English origin has a Chinese mother and was signed by beijing guoan of the championship club Brentford in January.
yennarisnow known as Li Ke in Chinatook Chinese citizenship and was also summoned by Lippi to face Maldives in the opening game of the second qualifying round.
China finished first in Group Awhich also contains Syria, Philippines and Guamso make sure you advance to the next stage.