Chapter 56: Personal Interview

With only ten days of vacation, Dai Zhiwei originally wanted to ignore everyone and simply take a good rest. However, there was one interview he could not avoid—because this program belonged to the Sports Channel of Huaxia Television.

To turn down a central broadcaster—besides Wei Yingluo in recent years, truly no one else could do that in the country.

Not only did Dai Zhiwei have to attend the interview, but he also had to fly to the capital himself.

Before the interview, Dai Zhiwei specially visited a stylist for a new haircut, changed into his 361 Degrees signature series sportswear, and set out with He Jin to the CCTV building.

After all, this was his first exclusive interview with Huaxia Television in his life; caution was only right.

The agreed location was a small studio in the CCTV building—two single armchairs, separated by a coffee table, perfect for a face-to-face conversation.

Dai Zhiwei truly had experience with exclusive interviews.

Whether in his past life as a journalist or in this life as a player!

“Thank you for making the long trip from Guangzhou,” Zhang Bing, a familiar face from Huaxia Television’s Sports Channel, greeted him politely.

Meeting in person, a few pleasantries were only natural.

“No problem, I’ll just treat it as a company-paid trip!” Dai Zhiwei quickened his steps, took the initiative to shake Zhang Bing’s hand, and smiled.

“Haha…” Zhang Bing also let out a few dry laughs.

For both, this was the first time handling such an exclusive interview—Zhang Bing wasn’t quite sure how to start.

Fortunately, Zhang Bing was professional enough. Seeing the crew still adjusting equipment, he smiled at Dai Zhiwei and said, “If there are any questions you’d rather not answer, just let me know.”

“There’s nothing off limits. I trust the standards of Huaxia Television,” Dai Zhiwei replied with a hint of flattery.

“Then shall we begin?” Zhang Bing asked after a nod from the floor director.

Dai Zhiwei nodded.

“First, congratulations on winning both the Chinese Super League and the AFC Champions League this season. To achieve such honors as a core starter in your first year as a professional is rare. Could you share how you feel about this?”

“My feelings?” Dai Zhiwei was momentarily taken aback; such a question was typical of central television.

“I wouldn’t call myself a core starter, it’s just that the team happened to need a striker of my type.” Dai Zhiwei thought for a moment, then answered, “Of course I’m very happy, especially winning the AFC Champions League. I feel I’ve brought a measure of honor to Chinese football!”

“Let’s talk about something lighter,” Zhang Bing continued, “Why did you choose number 24 as your jersey number?”

Dai Zhiwei smiled, “Besides being a footballer, I’m also a basketball fan. My favorite player is Kobe Bryant, and his number was 24. Apart from paying tribute to my idol, I also deeply resonate with Kobe’s reason for choosing number 24.”

Before Zhang Bing could respond, he went on, “The meaning of 24 is twenty-four hours. I want to dedicate all my energy to football—that’s why I chose 24. If I can’t devote myself wholeheartedly, then I’m not a true warrior. Twenty-four is the best expression of who I am.”

Zhang Bing praised him, “I like your explanation. I think I understand now why you’ve had such a successful debut season!”

Dai Zhiwei laughed at himself, “Honestly, what option is there but hard work? To start a professional career at nearly 21 is already late. At this age, Messi had already won La Liga’s grand slam, an Olympic gold, and the European Silver Ball. Ronaldo was already a key player at Manchester United. Compared to them, I’m barely worth mentioning.”

Moving on, Zhang Bing asked, “What do you think is most important for young players, or for those just starting their professional careers? How can they succeed as you have?”

“The most important thing is to learn to observe and study. Improving your abilities is a gradual process, but while you wait, you should learn to read the game and understand the coach’s intentions.” Dai Zhiwei tapped his forehead. “You have to play with your mind.”

To Dai Zhiwei, the exclusive interview was straightforward—just a back-and-forth, nothing difficult.

Glancing at his cue card, Zhang Bing considered his next question. “The national team has reached the final twelve of the World Cup qualifiers. This stage must be especially meaningful for you. Could you share your thoughts?”

“I remember during the 2002 World Cup, I was still in primary school. It was then I set the goal to play professional football and serve the national team. Now, being able to represent the country in the qualifiers and make some contributions—I’m already very satisfied.”

“Everyone’s talking about the group draw for the final twelve, but I think there’s no need to overthink it. My belief is that within Asia, whoever we face, we have a fighting chance and the possibility to win.” Dai Zhiwei’s words rang out with conviction.

Given the constraints of the medium, Zhang Bing kept the national team questions mild, shifting focus back to the club.

“Can you share your outlook for the Club World Cup?”

“Of course, the entire team is looking forward to it. To participate, we only have ten days off, and both Robinho and Rene are still training—naturally aiming for a good result at the Club World Cup,” Dai Zhiwei replied.

Zhang Bing interrupted, “A good result? Do you mean the semifinals, or the final?”

“Why not the championship?” Dai Zhiwei countered. “Since we’re in the competition, what’s the point if we don’t aim for the title?”

“Of course, I know we’re not as strong as Barcelona, but in terms of how seriously we take the Club World Cup, we’re definitely more invested. Besides, dreams are worth having—what if they come true?”

Dai Zhiwei’s use of Jack Ma’s famous line was truly striking.

“Dreams are worth having—what if they come true?” Zhang Bing repeated, nodding thoughtfully.

“Well then, let’s wish you and Evergrande the best. May you represent Chinese football and once again make your fans proud!”

Dai Zhiwei sensed that Zhang Bing’s words were sincere, without a trace of mockery. He replied, “Thank you, we’ll do our best!”

After chatting for a long while, Zhang Bing’s impression of Dai Zhiwei became even more three-dimensional.

This young man was unlike most domestic footballers. On the contrary, he was thoughtful and passionate.

Listening to him was a pleasure.

He had his own principles, understood how to engage the audience, and had a clear plan for his career.

Zhang Bing couldn’t remember the last time he’d met such a young athlete.

A few years ago, on an episode of “Football Night” focusing on the new generation of stars, Zhang Bing personally interviewed several popular players touted as future stars.

The impression was poor—during the exclusive interviews, agents actually sat beside them!

Like puppets on a string—what was the point?

But without their agents, those young players seemed barely literate, competent only at enjoying life and playing football, not much else; their lives seemed off track.

Meeting Dai Zhiwei was a true meeting of equals for Zhang Bing.

Dai Zhiwei was, of course, articulate—otherwise, how could he ever have impressed the editor-in-chief?

But compared to this “Football Night” heavyweight, he was still outmatched.

What he didn’t know was that it had been a long time since Zhang Bing had met a young person who could keep pace with him and offer insightful opinions.

The two talked at length—from the national team to the club, and then back to family background…

Because of Huaxia Television’s status and restrictions, Dai Zhiwei didn’t feel the questions were particularly tough.

Sensing Dai Zhiwei’s openness, Zhang Bing decided to ask something more substantial: “On that note, I’d like to ask one last question.”

Closing his notebook, Zhang Bing hesitated, then asked, “Recently, there’s been talk about your possible transfer…”

Dai Zhiwei was caught off guard—he hadn’t really thought about how to answer this.

After a few seconds’ thought, he replied, “We’ll see. If the opportunity arises, I’d like to experience European football.”

He knew better than to make promises, lest they come back to haunt him.

What if the club refused to let him go, or no suitable team was interested?

For example, someone might claim they were going to Inter Milan or Real Madrid, only to end up renewing their contract at a higher salary…

“Well, thank you for joining us, Dai Zhiwei!” Once the cameraman gave the all-clear, Zhang Bing stood, leaned over, and shook Dai Zhiwei’s hand.

In a low voice, Zhang Bing said, “If you get the chance, you really should go abroad for experience. I feel domestic competitions no longer hold much meaning for you.”

Dai Zhiwei was a bit surprised by Zhang Bing’s advice—it was unusually candid for such a brief acquaintance, but he could hear his concern for both himself and Chinese football.

“Thank you!” Dai Zhiwei replied sincerely. “I’ll do my best.”

No matter how difficult the journey, those who love Chinese football will never be in short supply.

You will never walk alone.