Lin Dong arrived in Tai’an City and after a day of rest, he went to the doorstep of the Shandong Luneng Football School the next day.
That’s right!
Lin Dong’s target for this trip was the future left-wing attacker of the Chinese national team, Wei Shihao!
Thinking about Wei Shihao, Lin Dong felt a pang of sadness. He had given up on his dream of playing abroad too early.
After returning to China, he went from club to club because of his personality, wasting his incredible talent.
He became ordinary!
In 1995, Wei Shihao was born in Bengbu, Anhui. This place, known for its strong local traditions, has produced countless bold and fearless spirits.
Before Wei Shihao, the most famous football star from Bengbu was Li Yi, who was known by fans as “The Emperor.”
Wei Shihao came from Shandong Luneng Football School. In that talent-rich Shandong team, his football talent still stood out, and his performance was always the best.
When he was only 18 years old, he was recognized by then-manager of Luneng, Ten Cate, and recommended to Ajax for trials.
The Director of Football at the time, Overmars, commented on his speed, excellent technique, and talent that could be compared to the world’s best winger, proving Wei Shihao’s incredible talent.
Then he officially joined Boavista and started his football career in Portugal.
In the Portuguese league, he showcased his amazing skills, able to break through quickly and shoot accurately.
The Portuguese football world was deeply impressed by this young player from the East.
However, three years later, he suddenly returned to the Chinese Super League and joined Shanghai SIPG, coached by Villas-Boas.
In a key match, he scored his first goal in the Chinese Super League.
In an era when young players enjoyed the U23 bonus, he was one of the few who could secure a starting position with his own abilities.
Later, he joined Beijing Guoan, but he didn’t have much room for growth there.
Until in Guangzhou Evergrande, he met his mentor Cannavaro.
Under the guidance of the “Canna-coach”, Wei Shihao finally realized his full potential. He scored 25 goals and provided 10 assists in three seasons.
With the decline of Evergrande, he joined Wuhan Three Towns and continued to shine on the field.
On days when he was healthy, he was always an indispensable part of the team.
In national team matches, Wei Shihao also showcased his remarkable skills.
His highlight moment came in the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship. As the core of the Chinese youth team, he led them to defeat Japan. He scored twice in that match, dismantling the Japanese team.
That year, he surpassed Takumi Minamino. But time has changed, and he and Takumi Minamino have taken completely different paths.
In the senior national team, he was recognized by Lippi and praised for possessing the level of a top Asian player.
The controversy surrounding Wei Shihao has always existed.
Some believe that he has the talent of a world-class player but can’t become one due to his personality issues.
Although he performs outstandingly on the field, his off-field personality sometimes puts him at a disadvantage. However, it’s this straightforwardness and authenticity that makes him loved by many fans.
When facing fans’ insults and mockery, he chose to confront them online, warning them not to bring his family into it.
After the match against Uzbekistan, facing a torrent of online abuse, he once again stood up to express his opinion, saying he didn’t ask everyone to support the national team but didn’t want to see fans booing.
This statement once again highlighted Wei Shihao’s straightforward personality, which is why he is loved by so many fans.
To be honest.
Lin Dong had a great deal of affection for Wei Shihao. Although he often lost his temper on the field, bringing disadvantages to the team.
But!
As Chinese football repeatedly hit rock bottom, he became one of the few players who dared to take the ball.
And what truly impressed Lin Dong about Wei Shihao was his view on love!
He’s a real man!
In 2013, the young Wei Shihao, with his love for football in his heart, went to play for Boavista in Portugal.
There, he met Wu Ya, a beautiful girl studying in Portugal at the time. They fell in love at first sight and began a cross-border romance.
From the age of 19, filled with youthful energy, to the age of 27, mature and steady, Wu Ya has always been by his side. She is his spiritual support and his warm haven.
They’ve been together for nine years, from Portugal to Beijing Guoan to Guangzhou Evergrande, supporting each other and loving each other deeply throughout their journey.
In 2018, while still playing for Beijing Guoan, Wei Shihao proposed to his girlfriend Wu Ya. This promise and love made their relationship even stronger.
In July 2022, when the short break after the first stage of the season arrived, they chose to hold their wedding in Guangzhou, inviting their teammates from the 1995 Luneng youth team and the senior players from Evergrande to witness their love.
The wedding was lively and full of laughter and blessings.
In Lin Dong’s eyes, Wei Shihao is a qualified man.
Even as time passes and the world changes, he never forgets his initial intentions.
After entering Luneng Football School, he inquired about the U-19 team’s training ground and headed towards it.
Soon Lin Dong arrived at the side of the training ground. He immediately saw the slightly immature Wei Shihao in the middle of the field.
After all, his bright yellow hair was too noticeable.
“System, use the Insight Eye on Wei Shihao.”
Lin Dong said silently in his heart, and a system panel immediately appeared before his eyes.
《Name: Wei Shihao》
《Profession: Football player》
《Position: Left winger 10 points, Left forward 10 points, Center forward 8 points》
《Ability Value/Potential Value: 58/80》
“As expected! In the past, Wei Shihao’s potential wasn’t fully realized.”
Lin Dong had always felt that Wei Shihao’s potential couldn’t be that low.
After all, how could someone who could surpass Takumi Minamino in 2014 be ordinary?
Moreover!
Overmars had commented on his speed, excellent technique, and talent that could be compared to the world’s best winger.
Even though Overmars might have exaggerated, his talent couldn’t possibly be that low.
Now, it was clear. If Wei Shihao grew up, he wouldn’t just become the best in the world, but there would be no problem for him to establish himself in the top five leagues.
He could even be a starter for the lower-ranked teams in the top five leagues.
Seeing Wei Shihao’s potential, Lin Dong became even more eager to sign him.
Soon, Lin Dong sat in front of Wei Shihao and his father.
The moment Lin Dong saw Wei Shihao’s parents, he felt they were too sharp.
Their eyes kept darting around from the moment they saw Lin Dong, as if they were calculating something.
However, Lin Dong didn’t think too much about it. His purpose here was to sign Wei Shihao.
“You said you’re an agent? You can help my son get to Europe to play abroad?”
Wei’s father was also surprised. He and his son had already discussed the idea of playing abroad.
But they didn’t expect someone to approach them so quickly.
“That’s right! I will help Wei Shihao make it to Europe!”
“He will get better training there.”
Lin Dong said seriously.
“Mr. Lin! It’s not that we don’t trust you, it’s just that someone suddenly popped up and said they could help our son go to Europe…”
Wei’s father didn’t finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.