WARSAW, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan footballer Georgiy Zhukov, who plays for Polish side Puszcza Niepolomice, expressed his happiness about previously playing for Cangzhou Mighty Lions, saying he "really enjoyed" his time in China.

In January 2025, the Kazakh joined Puszcza from Cangzhou, marking his return to Poland, where he had played for Wisla Krakow before transferring to China.

The 30-year-old emphasized that playing for Cangzhou was a valuable experience.

"I really enjoyed my time in China. The level was really good, as was the development of the sports infrastructure there. I got a lot of satisfaction from being able to play there. It was a very good period," Zhukov said in an interview with Polish media Wednesday.

The midfielder added that he was happy to have signed for Puszcza.

"I felt I was ready for new challenges. I had positive energy to return to Poland. For me, the opportunity to play at a high level is important. I previously found such an opportunity in China, and I have it in Poland. In both places, I can develop as a player," he said.

Zhukov also pointed out the differences in style of play between the Polish and Chinese leagues.

"The main difference is that in Polish football, there are more crosses into the penalty area. The players play closer together, run more and press along the entire length of the pitch. In China, more ground passes are played. However, the level is good in both China and Poland, as is the pace of the game. There are just some differences in the style of play," he said.

Puszcza sits 16th in Poland's Ekstraklasa standings, and face Korona Kielce on Friday. Enditem

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