Why international defender chose Hong Kong club over mainland China move
- Li Ngai-hoi faces stern competition for a starting spot at Lee Man, but feels he has better prospects there of selection for the city’s national team
- Centre-back would welcome Lionel Messi back to Hong Kong after being deprived of a chance to face the Argentine great
Li Ngai-hoi has revealed he turned down a return to mainland Chinese football because he felt isolated during his previous stint and preferred to stay in Hong Kong to enhance his international prospects.
News of the centre-back’s transfer to Hong Kong Premier League leaders Lee Man last month was greeted with widespread surprise, given mainland suitors were circling.
But Li said he was unhappy during 2½ years with Nantong Zhiyun, where he won promotion to the Chinese Super League in 2022, before joining BC Rangers in Hong Kong last summer.
“I have recently been playing in the Hong Kong team, and do not want to stop,” Li said. “The surroundings here are more comfortable for me. In mainland China, I was not feeling really happy. I was without my friends and family, and had no close support.
“Back in Hong Kong, I am playing with confidence and happiness, which is why my form has been good. I had offers from the mainland, but had to consider which team was best for me.”
Li is firmly in favour with Hong Kong head coach Jorn Andersen, who welcomed the 29-year-old’s move to a “more professional environment”, although warned of a likely scrap for regular action.
