Euro 2020 star Yannick Carrasco called a ‘skunk’ over China comments

Belgium winger shines in 3-0 win over Russia but former Dalian Pro teammates unimpressed with reported views on his time in China

Atletico Madrid player spent controversial period in Chinese Super League but former translator questions Belgian media report

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Yannick Carrasco of Belgium in action during the Uefa Euro 2020 group B win over Russia. Photo: EPA

Published: 1:35pm, 14 Jun 2021

Belgium star Yannick Carrasco was lauded for his performance in the Red Devils’ 3-0 win over Russia in their Euro 2020 opener on Saturday but not in China by some of his former teammates.

The former Dalian Pro player was described as “the most dangerous player on the pitch” by The Independent after starring for Belgium, the same day he was called a “skunk” by former teammate Yang Shanping on social media after comments he made on China made in a press conference last week.

The Atletico Madrid winger, who left the Chinese Super League in 2019, pulled no punches when he was asked him about his move to Dalian in 2018, according to a report on Belgian website Sporza.

“Nobody expected me to join a top club,” Carrasco said of moving to La Liga, after what many saw as him ruining his career by moving to the CSL. “But I always said: you never lose talent. It’s a gift from God and from your parents. It’s different from competition rhythm.” Carrasco won the La Liga title with Atletico last season.

Carrasco is coached by Dalian Pro boss Rafa Benitez in a 2019 Chinese Super League game. Photo: Xinhua

“You know, everyone always talked bad about China, but now people are wide-eyed. A year after my final return to Spain, I am champion with Atletico and I had an important part in that. This is a nice revenge for who is not more in my faith. Now I must continue this line.”