He may be the first, but Brazil-born striker Elkeson believes he will not be the only foreign player to be naturalised during China’s attempt to secure World Cup qualification for the first time in almost two decades.
HONG KONG -
His selection comes just weeks after he was granted citizenship and, with the country desperate to qualify for the tournament for the first time since making their debut appearance at the finals back in 2002, Elkeson acknowledged others are likely to follow in his footsteps. “We all have a dream, a goal that we want to achieve and that is to qualify for the next World Cup. We believe as players that we will do everything we can to help the national team on the pitch.
Others with Chinese heritage, including former Everton defender Tyias Browning, are having their applications for Chinese citizenship assessed while speculation has increased in the media that several other Brazil-born players will join Elkeson in attaining citizenship. His return to Guangzhou last month was swiftly followed by the completion of his application for Chinese citizenship and a place in the squad for his adopted nation.
“I believe most of them have a good relationship with me and this is also a very important reason for me to make this decision.
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