Axel Witsel answered a few questions about his first months in China, the city of Tianjin and the Chinese league. The 28 year old Belgian midfielder also gave his answers to fans from the Chinese social network Sina Weibo (@AxelWitsel28).
– How are you feeling these first months in China?
I feel great, I really enjoy being in China and the city of Tianjin is beautiful.
– Tell us a bit about the city of Tianjin. If you could compare it with a city you have visited before which would it be?
I have said before that Tianjin is not Shanghai or Beijing but as a city it has everything that Europe has and it’s also a quiet city. I really like it.
– Chinese Super League. What do you think of it so far? Strengths, weaknesses?
It’s not as weak as people keep saying. I think the Championship is growing, getting better year by year, especially with more foreign players coming here. It is true that the level is not like in Europe and you have more space and time to play .
– Tianjin Quanjian FC. Can you tell us anything about the club? Structure, stadium, staff, etc.
Our club it’s like a family, I’m happy to be with them here. We also have a ambitious president who wants to make a strong team mainly for next season but so far we are doing good. Stadium is top, we have really nice staff and the training camp is great too.
– How do people react when they see you on the street?
It’s difficult not be recognised in the street because I’m a foreigner of course and you can not miss an afro like mine on the street hahaha. So everywhere I go, people ask for pictures and autographs all the time.
– Are you learning Chinese?
I will start learning with a teacher because I think it is important to know when you come in a new country; It will help me in the club and me personally.
* Fans’ questions from Sina Weibo
– Is the Chinese league easier than the Russian Premier League?
I think the Russian league is a bit better than the Chinese league but there are not a lot of differences… The one I can think of is in Russia you can play in the Champions League.
– Your best friend in Belgium team?
It’s Nacer Chadli, I know him since we were 9 years old.
– What is your favourite Chinese food?
Dim Sum.
– How much time do you spend on your hair? Do you deal with it every morning?
I make my hair everyday but I do not spend a lot of time doing it.
– Will your family live in Tianjin with you?
Yes they will be with me next week, it’s very important to have family with you.
– If you could invite a friend to play in CSL, who would you invite?
Nacer Chadli
– Who do you think is the best midfielder in the world?
It will always be Zidane for me.
– What has impressed you in Tianjin city?
The city in general, it’s so beautiful here especially at night with the lights. Also the shopping center, it is really big.
– Which Chinese player has impressed you?
Wang Yongpo, number 39 from our team and also number 10 from Beijing Guoan.
– Who do you think will win the Champions League?
Real Madrid
– What do you do on your free time?
I go to restaurants, cinema, enjoy time with my family and visit some places to learn about the culture of China.
