Wu Lei silenced the doubters by playing a key role in Team China's progression to the next phase of World Cup qualifying, and the Espanyol striker believes the nation can aim even higher on the global stage if more young Chinese talents follow his example by playing abroad.

"After playing in a foreign league, I finally understand why we cannot beat Japanese or South Korean teams. We are all Asian teams, but why we are not at the same level? The answer is clear for me: Playing in a high-quality and fast-paced foreign league certainly makes the difference," the 29-year-old told Oriental Sports Daily in a recent interview.

"The Japanese squad now has at least two teams of players who are capable of playing the top Asian games, and South Korea also has many players at this standard.

"I mean, if an Asian team can have six or seven players who can play in European leagues, even including the second tiers, the team will have much better quality and confidence.

"Like I've always said, I hope more Chinese players can step out of the domestic league. And more importantly, they can earn a spot in a foreign team on their own merit."

Wu, along with the rest of his national teammates, has returned to China from the United Arab Emirates after making key contributions in victories over Guam (7-0, played in Suzhou, Jiangsu province), the Philippines (2-0), the Maldives (5-0) and Syria (3-1).The four wins, during which Wu netted five times and laid on two assists, secured China a spot in the final phase of Asian zone World Cup qualifying, which will kick off in September.

Tough times

After helping Shanghai Port win its first Chinese Super League title in 2019, Wu embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Spanish club Espanyol.

However, after a brilliant debut season, during which his goals helped Espanyol qualify for the Europa League, Wu endured a more challenging 2020.

The forward and his wife contracted COVID-19 early last year, and when he finally returned to the pitch after shaking the virus, he failed to avert Espanyol's regelation to the second tier.

Wu spent most of last term warming the bench as Espanyol earned promotion back to La Liga. His lack of playing time led many fans to wonder if he should quit Europe and return home.

Wu's absence from Team China's training camps last year due to pandemic-related travel restrictions added to concerns that he might struggle to gel with the squad upon his return. Over the last three weeks, however, he has emphatically dispelled those doubts.

"During my two and half years of playing in Spain, I have grown a lot in many aspects－on and off the pitch. I've also been able to observe how foreign clubs operate. Different levels of clubs have different methods of surviving," Wu explained.

"So, for me, it's been a comprehensive learning experience, which can help Chinese soccer in the future. More importantly, we can see the pace of European matches are much quicker than the CSL.

"Before I arrived in Spain, I was prepared for all kinds of challenges. Since then, I have encountered many difficulties and I'm still trying my best to hold on and earn a spot in the team. After all this time, the biggest difference for me is the growth in my confidence. Through my daily training and competing in Spain, I'm now much more confident when I return to play the Asian matches."

Team China head coach Li Tie has staunchly defended Wu from his critics in recent weeks.

"Wu's progress and growth since moving to Spain is very obvious, yet still he finds himself under attack from some fans and media. Will they be happy if Wu quits and returns to the Chinese Super League?" Li said after last week's win over Syria.

"We need to encourage players like Wu. It's very tough for them to forge a career in a foreign country… If we have 20 players who play in the major European leagues, what is there left for us to worry about?"

Those words of support from Li, a former midfielder who played in England with Everton and Sheffield United, were clearly much appreciated by Wu.

"Honestly speaking, I was truly surprised by his words. I never expected he would say that in front of the media. I'm really touched and thank him for his understanding," said Wu. "He also had a career in Europe and he knows how hard it can be for us.

"I hope more Chinese players can go out to Europe. Actually many of our players have the ability to play abroad. Even if it's a second-tier league, it's competitive enough. So we need to be persistent enough to step out."

Former China international and Crystal Palace player Fan Zhiyi has also voiced support for Wu, urging him to continue with his European adventure.

"From my point of view, Wu Lei should not return to the CSL," said Fan. "Even if he only has around 10 minutes of playing time per game, he will still reap the benefits of the more intense training and more competitive environment."