Wu Lei has been left to rue a ‘disastrous’ season after the reported Watford and Wolverhampton Wanderers target was relegated from La Liga with Espanyol, speaking via a post on his official Instagram account.
If the most prolific goalscorer in the history of Chinese football was hoping to prove himself on European soil, he probably bet on the wrong horse when he joined a Catalan giant in 2019.
Because, just 16 months after swapping Shanghai SIPG for Spain, Wu Lei has suffered the ignominy of being part of the first Espanyol side relegated from the top flight since 1993.
Then again, with a grand total of four goals in 31 games, Wu Lei must take his fair share of the blame with Los Periquitos picking up a humiliating tally of 24 points – 11 less than 17th placed Alaves.
“I think you felt more disappointed and frustrated than the team after we experienced this disastrous season,” Wu Lei wrote in an open letter to the Espanyol fans, before suggesting that he will not jump from a sinking ship.
“We must fight together for a return to La Liga, it means a lot for our history, our club and our lives. Just like our team’s song goes: ‘the white is our heart, the blue is our soul’.
“I hope we will be together soon to celebrate victory in the RCDE Stadium. Football means nothing without your support. I believe we will be back to La Liga soon. Come on! Espanyol!”
Marca claimed back in May that Wolves had held talks with Wu Lei regarding a move to Molineux for a speedy little forward who they have been watching for two years.
It goes without saying that Wolves’ Chinese owners, from a financial and sporting perspective, would love to bring one of the most recognisable figures in Asian football to Molineux.
Watford were also linked via the Mail recently. Though, as you might have guessed given that Wu Lei turned down offers aplenty during 12 years in Shanghai, this is not a player lacking in loyalty.
He might just stick around.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
