体坛英语新闻：Chinese footballer Ji ready to embrace challenges in French league

AUXERRE, France, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Ji Xiaoxuan, the reigning Player of the Year in Chinese second-tier football league, is ready to start from scratch in the French counterpart following his glory.

"Indeed, it has boosted my self-confidence. However, as I have been in France and the award has been the bygone, I need to forget everything about the past and start from scratch here," the Ligue 2 club Auxerre's latest recruit told Xinhua here on Saturday.

Auxerre sit 15th among 20 teams in Ligue 2. The 1995-96 Ligue 1 champions took on leaders Metz on Saturday. Ji was unveiled to fans at the Stade Abbe Deschamps prior to the team's first home match since his arrival.

Having been in France for over half a month, Ji feels that he has been gradually adjusting himself to a different environment.

"Due to time and food difference, and different training intensity, I still need time to adjust to new life," Ji admitted.

Ji took his first training practice back on March 19, exactly his 26th birthday.

"I feel that something has been destined. I have to work hard. France football is at a high level, so I need to try my best to corporate myself here," said Ji, who is sweating on learning French for better communication with his teammates.

"I'm confident that I can adjust myself better in the future," he added.

After being crowned the Player of the Year in China, Ji wanted to take adventure abroad rather than stay and accept a possible more favorable offer from domestic clubs.

"I want to give myself a test, as I feel that there is a gap in terms of match rhythm between Chinese league and foreign leagues," he pointed out.

Prior to Ji, the Chinese Super League Player of the Year Wu Lei joined Espanyol before scoring for the La Liga outfit.

Ji feels much motivated about his compatriot's achievement, especially as they developed in the same youth training base in Chinese city of Shanghai.

"We have not been in contact following our arrival in European leagues, because we are busy preparing for our respective schedule," Ji said, while emphasizing that Wu's performance boosted his confidence.

"My friend has scored in the Spanish league. I want to help my new club with goals. Actually, my biggest goal here is to help this team get promoted to the top-flight league," he said.

Ji hopes to get a call-up from the Chinese national team in the future, but emphasizes that it will come as it comes.

"Playing for the national team is a dream for every footballer. If you make your effort, and it's recognized by other people, you will earn the chance. But your effort is the priority in achieving that," he commented.