Sun Wen, former caption of the Chinese women’s soccer team, received on Tuesday an invitation from the International Football Federation (FIFA) to attend its annual awarding ceremony in Rome on December 11, when Sun will most likely be crowned as the best woman player of the 20th century.
“We were faxed with the message from our international counterpart, and of course we are delighted at such a good news. However, since the ultimate result does not come out until the live fiesta, it is not the moment to celebrate,” Cheng Wei, press official with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), confirmed with caution Wednesday.
As an international elite, Sun sounded quite peaceful when hearing the glad tidings before flying to the United States late on Wednesday to join the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA).
“It is certainly a distinction to be elected as the century’s best, but I will not feel lost if I fail because I only view this as a flower-adding gift,” Sun said after sealing a transferring contract early this week with the WUSA, which is set to make its debut in the Spring.
In contrast, Sun, as veteran caption who has pocketed numerous rewards for leading the Chinese “Steel Roses” to the runner-up stance at the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup, seems to attach much more importance to her career in the United States.
“I am happy to continue my pursuit across the Pacific. It is a new start for me and for our full squad as well. It is surely a great boost for the development of Chinese women’s soccer,” she was quoted as saying by the Beijing Morning Post.
Echoing Sun’s opinion, Ma Liangxing, head coach of the Sun’s home club, Shanghai women’s soccer team said that the trip to the US will provide Sun a rare chance to further her life on field.
“As world top player, Sun will find more space to exert her talent in such league as WUSA, and our local club will also benefit from such international exchanges,” Ma said.
(China Daily 11/30/2000)
