China star Wu Lei celebrates Espanyol’s return to La Liga before World Cup duty

Chinese-owned Spanish side secure instant promotion from Segunda Division with four games left of the season

Forward will soon leave Spain to join up with national team ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers

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Espanyol’s players, including Wu Lei (right), celebrate promotion to La Liga after their 0-0 draw with Real Zaragoza at La Romareda stadium. Photo: EPA

Published: 12:01pm, 10 May 2021Updated: 12:01pm, 10 May 2021

China’s star footballer Wu Lei celebrated with his Espanyol teammates this weekend after the Chinese-owned club secured their return to the Spanish top flight.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Real Zaragoza ensured that the Barcelona-based side, owned by China’s Rastar Group, were promoted at the first time of asking, with four games left of the season.

It also reinstated Wu as the only Chinese player in one of Europe’s “big five” leagues – Spain’s La Liga, the English Premier League, Italy’s Serie A, the German Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1.

Wu played for Espanyol in La Liga in the previous two seasons and he was a key part of the side but has been reduced to a bit part player this season in the Segunda Division.

Espanyol’s Wu Lei speaks into the microphone during the celebrations of the team's return to La Liga. Photo: Xinhua

The 29-year-old played 31 minutes on Saturday, coming off the bench once again. He has been on the bench for the last 22 games.