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Sun: Best footballer in the past century
2000-11-30
Shanghai - Chinese soccer's premier "Steel Rose" may have the chance to bloom on a historical stage in December, China Daily reported. On Tuesday, Sun Wen, former captain of the Chinese women's soccer team, received an invitation from the International Football Federation (FIFA) to attend the 10th FIFA World Player Gala in Rome on December 11. She is expected to be named the best female soccer player of the 20th century. "We were faxed with the message from our international counterpart, and of course we are delighted at the good news," said Cheng Wei, a press official with the Chinese Football Association (CFA). "However, since the ultimate result does not come out until the actual party, now is not the moment to celebrate." According to Zhang Jilong, deputy executive president of the Chinese Football Association, Sun is a heavy favourite to win the award. "We are confident that Sun has the chance to win. And if she does, it will turn out to be a morale boost for Chinese athletes," he said. Sun, who has just signed a contract with the new US-based Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), took the invitation, and the award speculation, in stride. "It is certainly a distinction to be nominated one of the century's best, but I won't feel deflated if I don't win because the award would only be an accessory to my career," she said shortly before flying to the United States late on Wednesday to join the WUSA. The veteran national team captain has already pocketed numerous awards for leading the Chinese "Steel Roses" to the second-place finishes at the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup. These days she is concentrating on the taking the next step in her career. "I am happy to continue my soccer pursuits across the Pacific. It is a new start for me and for our full squad as well. It is surely a great push for the development of Chinese women's soccer," she was quoted as saying by the Beijing Morning Post. Ma Liangxing, head coach of the Sun's home club, the Shanghai women's soccer team, said the trip to the US will provide Sun a rare chance to challenge herself on the field. "Sun will find more space to exert her talent in the WUSA, and our local club will also benefit from the exposure and prestige of the international exchange," Ma said.
Chinese star Sun Wen top pick in draft (2000-12-11)Five Chinese players sign with WUSA (2000-12-01)Sun: Best footballer in the past century (2000-11-30)Women's Soccer: China 1, United States 1 (2000-09-17)Sun Wen is first woman to be nominated for Asian soccer award (2000-03-21)
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