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Jonathan White

China’s star footballer Wu Lei has ended speculation about his immediate future by pledging to stay with Spanish side Espanyol.
The Barcelona-based club were relegated from Spain’s top flight after finishing bottom of 20-team division but Wu has told Chinese media he will stay.
“I did see many people discussing the next stop for me,” he told CGTN, the English-language arm of state broadcaster CCTV.
“But actually I have made my plan clear a few times and through my weekly report,” Wu said of his weekly blog on life in Spain on the club’s Weibo.

EXCLUSIVE:
⚽️Chinese striker Wu Lei confirms his stay at @RCDEspanyol next season.
⚽️"I have made the decision to stay at Espanyol and play the Liga de Segunda Division with my team."#RCDE @fororcdespanyol @Sp_Espanyol pic.twitter.com/4QtarRjHqG
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) July 27, 2020

“I have made the decision to stay at Espanyol and play the Liga de Segunda division with my team.”
Wu had said he would stay but speculation linked with moves to English Premier League sides Wolves and Watford, as well as Turkish giants Besiktas. Former Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhuo had advised Wu to leave for England.
Wolves, Watford or Besiktas – what next for in-demand Wu Lei?
The 28-year-old was the only Chinese player in any of Europe’s top five divisions last season, a run that ends with his decision to stay.
Espanyol fans welcomed the news on social media.


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Spanish La Liga

Wolves target Wu Lei commits to Spanish second tier with Espanyol

Espanyol's Wu Lei celebrates scoring against Barcelona last season. Photo: Reuters

Brazil’s Oscar willing to help China if Fifa change eligibility rules

Shanghai SIPG’s Brazilian midfielder Oscar celebrates scoring during the AFC Asian Champions League against Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers in Shanghai. Photo: AFP

Shanghai SIPG's Oscar reacts during the AFC Champions League group stage football match between China's Shanghai SIPG and South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai in Shanghai on March 7, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / - / China OUT

Wu Lei: Wolves, Watford or Besiktas – what next for China’s in-demand star?

Espanyol’s Wu Lei during their final Spanish La Liga match of the season against RC Celta. Photo: Xinhua

La Liga: Kenedy target of Chinese social media fury after pushing Wu Lei

Espanyol's Chinese forward Wu Lei shoots on goal in their La Liga match against Getafe. Photo: AFP

Manchester United’s China flop Dong Fangzhuo tells Wolves target Wu Lei to move to England

Espanyol’s Chinese forward Wu Lei warms up before a La Liga game. He has been advised to move to England by former Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhuo. Photo: AFP

Britain's Manchester United's Fangzhuo Dong [Dong Fangzhou] (3rd L) celebrates his goal with team mates Danny Simpson (L), Wes Brown (2nd L) and John O'Shea after scoring against South Africa's Kaiser Chief during their soccer match in Cape Town, South Africa July 18, 2006. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA)

Wolves target Wu Lei scores on Covid-19 comeback for Espanyol

RCD Espanyol's Wu Lei celebrates after scoring against Alaves in the Spanish La Liga’s coronavirus return. Photo: Xinhua

Sport

Football

China


‘I have made the decision to stay at Espanyol and play the Liga de Segunda division with my team,’ China forward tells state media
Only Chinese player in Europe’s top five leagues had been linked with English Premier League and Turkish giants Beskitas



Only Chinese player in Europe’s top five leagues had been linked with English Premier League and Turkish giants Beskitas.


English Premier League

Spain

Uefa Europa League