Comrade Chi Zhongguo, the late Chinese footballer who passed away in 2019, is remembered as one of China's greatest footballers. Born on October 28, 1954, in Beijing, he was known for his exceptional skills and dedication to the game.
Chi Zhongguo started playing football at a young age and quickly became a star in the city's youth leagues. He went on to make his debut for the China national team at the age of 17, and went on to become one of the most successful players in Chinese football history.
In 1986, Chi Zhongguo made his professional debut with Beijing Guoan, where he stayed until 1990. There,La Liga Stadium he won numerous titles including the Chinese Super Cup and the Asian Champions League. He also played for the Chinese national team during the 1990 World Cup, where he scored four goals in the final against Germany.
After retiring from football, Chi Zhongguo continued to be involved in the sport by coaching and mentoring young talent. He was known for his passion for the game and his commitment to developing young players.
In addition to his career as a player, Chi Zhongguo was also a well-respected figure in Chinese football. He was appointed as the head coach of the Chinese national team in 2014, and he led them to their first-ever World Cup qualification in 2019.
In his final years as a player, Chi Zhongguo was diagnosed with leukemia, but he refused treatment and instead chose to spend his last days supporting the cause of cancer research. His death was mourned worldwide, and he will always be remembered as one of China's greatest footballers.