The arrival of Wu Lei at Espanyol revolutionized a country of more than 1,000 million inhabitants like China. Suddenly, his best player measured his abilities in Europe. Here the signing of him was considered by most as a somewhat frivolous experiment, based on marketing and audiences. In addition, everything that involved his signing was mysterious, without very clear figures. On the pitch he stood out for his animosity and his dedication, but he fell short. He came to Barcelona as a star and will leave, these days he negotiates his goodbye with Shanghai SIPG, with the label of being a great professional, and also with a huge sentimental bond with the blue and white fans.
In four seasons Wu Lei has scored 16 goals, more than the collective imaginary parakeet surely keeps in his retina. At first he was not convincing because of his lack of tactical discipline, which little by little he did acquire. It was important during Rubi's last six months. He enjoyed the ecstasy of qualifying for the Europa League. He also managed to score against Barça to avoid defeat in the derby, but already in the Second Division, Vicente Moreno stopped trusting him. He never faltered. He didn't complain either. No reproach despite being a substitute on up to 82 occasions of the 127 games in which he was called up.
His last great service was on April 10, when he scored his last goal against Celta in the 89th minute of the match that certified the team's salvation.
In the next few days his transfer should be announced (Diego Martínez does not have him either) to Shanghai SIPG, perhaps with Matías Vargas at his side. His goodbye will release one of the highest chips (around 2 million euros) of the team, which today will play its fifth preseason game against English Brighton (4:00 p.m.).
