President Xi pins high hopes on Chinese soccer

Chinese President Xi Jinping chats with youth players from Zhidan in China's Shaanxi province in Berlin, March 29, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

March 27, 2014

In a speech during celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, Xi mentioned Alain Perrin, who was appointed head coach of the Chinese national team on Feb 28 last year.

Xi said he wished good luck to Perrin as Chinese football fans have great expectations for him.

March 22, 2014

Xi discussed youth football with Edwin van der Sar, former Netherlands' national team goalkeeper, at a state banquet during his visit to the Netherlands.

"Youth is key to China's football, as late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping said, but it takes time to gain results …" Xi also expressed the wish that China and the Netherlands could have more exchanges in youth players' training.

March 5, 2014

Xi used Chinese football as an example of pursuing dreams when he joined a panel discussion with deputies from Shanghai at China's two sessions.

"China's football dream looks far away but we cannot stop. You might have your dreams come true one day only if you keep dreaming."

February 7, 2014

Xi talked to China's newly-elected CFA head Cai Zhenhua and expressed his interest in the development of China's three "big ball" games – football, basketball and volleyball - when he met Chinese Olympians during the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

"As you are in charge of the Chinese Football Association, let's wait and see (how the Chinese football will go)."