‘I am Chinese,’ says Brazilian Elkeson as newly naturalised striker appeals for fans’ support ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
- Striker writes online to explain his feelings in giving up Brazilian nationality in attempt to fire adopted country to World Cup
- Marcello Lippi’s squad begin road to Qatar 2022 against Maldives
Newly naturalised Chinese footballer Elkeson has written a heartfelt message to fans on his Sina Weibo account declaring “I am Chinese” and that he wants to repay their faith in him.
“Today, I want to tell the world,” he wrote, “I officially opened a new journey, I am Chinese, I want to return all the love and care you have for me over the years. I hope to get your support as always.”
The Guangzhou Evergrande striker was confirmed as part of Marcello Lippi’s preliminary World Cup qualifying squad on Wednesday and he posted on his official account on the microblog to explain his feelings on changing from Brazilian to Chinese.
He said his arrival in China in 2013 was a “gamble” in his career but “the blueprint” at Guangzhou Evergrande convinced him he could write himself into history.
The post accompanies a photo of him being greeted on his arrival in China from Brazilian side Botafogo.
Elkeson lists his successes since moving to the Chinese Super League. At Evergrande he won three consecutive Chinese Super League titles and the AFC Champions League twice, with the team becoming the first Chinese Super League side to win it.