Life Notes: A Memorable Meeting with Football Star Chi Minghua

Autumn leaves in the wind

I am a die-hard fan of Chinese football. Having lived in the United States for 36 years, my passion for the sport remains unwavering. As a child, I fell in love with football and became an out-and-out star chaser. One memorable moment that stands out in my mind is the match between Guangdong and Bayi on the third day of the Chinese New Year in 1963. The Guangdong team won a free kick outside the penalty area, and Yang Zixuan’s powerful kick resulted in a 3:1 victory for Guangdong. This moment has been etched in my memory forever.

Among the Guangdong teams, I have always been fond of the team led by Su Yongshun, which included Rong Zhixing, Du Zhiren, Gu Guangming, He Jia, Chen Xirong, and Cai Jinbiao. Later, I followed the team led by Xian Dixiong, which featured Ou Weiting, Wu Qunli, Zhao Dayu, Li Chaobo, Mai Chao, and Huang Junwei. In the 1980s, I took notice of the new star Chi Minghua of Guangdong. I was impressed by his clear mind, ability to read and fill positions, and his technical and conscious approach as a central defender. I was optimistic about his development prospects, and he did not disappoint. He became a star of the Guangdong team and eventually the captain of the Chinese football team.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Chi Minghua and his wife over lunch, thanks to the introduction by the Wensheng brothers. I was thrilled to meet my idol and fulfill my long-cherished wish. When we first met, I was struck by Captain Chi’s dignified appearance and straight posture. He was wearing red sportswear, which added to his handsome appearance. His wife, a martial arts champion in Guangdong Province, exuded a heroic demeanor. As we sat down and exchanged pleasantries, Captain Chi showed a rare high emotional intelligence, with a friendly attitude and good communication skills. We shared stories and secrets about football and football stars, and I was impressed by his approachability.

Chi Minghua shared a photo of him, Gu Guangming, and Zhao Dayu, which I carefully examined. I asked him to send it to the WeChat group so that I could keep it forever. I also joined the Meizhou group, thanks to Wen Sheng’s invitation. As a star worshipper, I didn’t forget to invite the celebrity couple to take a photo with us. My wife, who knows me well, quickly took a shot of Chi Minghua and me shaking hands, leaving me with a cherished memory.

Our meeting was all too brief, and I was reluctant to say goodbye to my idol. I look forward to meeting again and experiencing more surprises.

Written in Guangzhou on February 17, 2024 (the eighth day of the Lunar New Year)