International goal drives Xie

Xie Chujun might have let out the loudest scream of his life last summer when VfB Stuttgart, the record champion in Germany's Under 19 Bundesliga, gave him a call.

Filled with excitement and joy, the 17-year-old eagerly answered the call from the 10-time junior title winner and ended up signing a contract lasting until 2026.

"I couldn't believe it. I was so happy, and I guess that's why I screamed while sitting in the car with my parents," Xie, whose English name is Alexander, told Xinhua.

The midfielder represents an unusual story in Chinese soccer. He became only the third Chinese player to compete in the UEFA Youth League, following Lin Liangming and Yan Dinghao, when his new club defeated Atalanta 4-1.

"I am Chinese," the former FSV Frankfurt midfielder said.

"It's the only passport and nationality I have," he added, despite being born in Australia and having lived in Germany for nearly six years now.

His ties to China remain strong: "Despite my life overseas, my family comes from China. We go there regularly on vacation."

With determination, he speaks about his big dreams, such as making it into professional soccer in a European league and playing for China's national team.

"I will be delighted to wear the Chinese jersey, starting with the youth teams. That's one of my goals. I hope more will follow," he said.

He's been gaining ground at his new team, despite only arriving in September without having participated in preseason training.

As Xie works toward making his dreams a reality, his Stuttgart coach Nico Willig sees his potential.

"He came late, but made rapid progress. Alex is a solid and diligent player, with good technical skills and the ability to use both feet," said the 43-year-old, who had a spell as caretaker coach of Stuttgart's senior side in 2019.

He added that, while playing in the under-19 age group, "he, and we, need to be patient and continue to make progress".

From Willig's perspective, being chosen by one of the country's most successful youth development clubs is the first step for Xie.

"He needs to improve his physicality and game intensity. He is doing well and is on a promising path."

Confidence comes with playing time, Willig said. Making it into the starting eleven by next season is a realistic goal. "Those who become regulars in our under-19 team often make it into professional football."

Being fluent in Chinese, English and German has helped Xie adapt smoothly. "It's a big step-up at Stuttgart, but I am confident I can make it. Stuttgart is a great opportunity for me."

Xie's favorite position is in central midfield, which is no surprise, as he cites former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta and German international Angelo Stiller as his heroes.

"I can read the game well, because I love the game," Xie said, acknowledging that further effort is required.

The youngster added that he feels comfortable balancing both school and sports. Attending one of the club's partner schools in Fellbach, near Stuttgart, allows him to pursue his soccer dreams without neglecting his studies.

Xie's transfer reflects Stuttgart's close connection to China, as the club's board member Rouven Kasper explained.

"His signing is not a marketing move; it's his quality and potential that made us reach out to him," said Kasper, who lived in Shanghai for six years.

There's another incentive for Xie to work hard enough to make the Chinese national squad — hot pot, his favorite Chinese dish. Also, spending holidays in China always feels like coming home, he added.

XINHUA