Interview with Bunyamin: Will Consider Playing Abroad After 20 or 21, Did Not Expect to Join China National Team

Editor

On the afternoon of September 8, rising Chinese Super League player Bunyamin of Yunnan Yukun accepted an exclusive interview with Beijing Youth Daily. During the interview, Bunyamin spoke openly about topics including his plans to play abroad.

Beijing Youth Daily: Tell us about your future goals. Your short-term goal is clear: build a solid foundation for your professional career. Looking further ahead, as a player who is not yet 20 years old, do you have a dream of playing overseas?

Bunyamin: I have just started my professional career, and this is my first Chinese Super League season. I hope to perform well in the matches in front of me first, work hard until I am 20, and improve my league statistics year by year. After turning 20 or 21, I will consider the matter of playing abroad. I have also discussed this with my father. At present, I do not have a specific overseas destination in mind, but almost every player dreams of competing in the top five European leagues. If I went abroad to play now, it would be difficult for me to achieve the results I hope for.

Beijing Youth Daily: Regarding representing the country and striving for honor, what are your thoughts? With next year's U20 Asian Cup approaching, is performing well in this tournament one of your clear goals?

Bunyamin: Yes. I previously took part in the U17 Asian Cup, and it was a pity that we failed to advance from the group stage. This U20 Asian Cup will be held in our country, so the opportunity is right in front of us, and the responsibility on our shoulders is even greater. I hope to make up for the previous disappointment, try to advance from the group, and push for the U20 World Cup.

Beijing Youth Daily: For the upcoming international match window, the China national team has included you on the training squad list. Did you expect this?

Bunyamin: I never expected to enter the national team directly. When I first joined the youth national team, I told myself to take things step by step and first complete the training and matches with the U19 youth national team. Of course, if an opportunity comes, I will always be ready to face the challenge, stay down-to-earth, and from childhood until now, joining the China national team has always been my dream.

Beijing Youth Daily: After ten years of development at football academies, you have now reached the professional stage. What belief has supported you the most throughout your journey?

Bunyamin: It is my own dream. I love football very much. At the same time, I also hope to help my father achieve the football dream he was unable to fulfill.

Beijing Youth Daily: Up to now, which coaches would you most like to thank?

Bunyamin: At Evergrande Football School, I worked with many coaches, with changes happening roughly every one or two years. I am grateful to every coach. After joining Yukun, the coach I am most thankful to is head coach Jordi. He has consistently given me opportunities to play and has placed great trust in me.

Written by Beijing Youth Sports, Xiao Ran