Adrian Leijer: China “not the best career option” for younger Socceroos

Adrian Leijer: China “not the best career option” for younger Socceroos

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Former Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer believes moving to the Chinese Super League (CSL) is not a good career move for players at the peak of their powers, regardless of the money involved.

A number of Australian players as well as big names of world football have moved to China from Europe in the most recent transfer window as part of big-money moves, including Trent Sainsbury (Jiangsu Suning), James Troisi (Liaoning Whowin) and Colombian international Jackson Martinez (Guangzhou Evergrande).

Sainsbury’s move in particular drew the ire of some in the Australian football community. The former Central Coast Mariner left Eredivise side PEC Zwolle at 24 to make the move to the CSL.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Football Show, Leijer, 29, who spent a season in the Chinese Super League with Chongqing Lifan, says he does not like seeing younger players moving to the booming yet controversial league, despite the huge sums of money on offer for players.

“It (China) is certainly not an easy place to go and you need to go with an open mind,” Leijer said.

“You need to go prepared for almost anything. For me, it opened my eyes up to the world, both in terms of China culturally and the football world. It’s chalk and cheese compared to what we’re used to in Australia.

“I went at the right age (28). I don’t like seeing players go at a younger age. Guys who are at the peak of their careers in the Socceroos… I don’t think it’s the best career option.

“You look at the money that they’re getting paid and for any person, someone like Sainsbury, who’s on a  ridiculous amount of money … is it the right option for his career? Probably not.

“But, is he ever going to earn that money anywhere else? No.

“It’s a difficult conversation to weigh up … a really difficult scenario.”

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