Chaos News reports that Zhejiang FC goalkeeper Dong Chunyu shared insights on team cohesion and personal dedication in a recent interview. “The strength of the team is the key reason we can overcome difficult times. Everything I do comes from a pure desire to repay the club’s trust in me,” he said.
The story goes back to May 1, on the eve of Zhejiang’s home match against Shenzhen Xinpengcheng. Without any prior warning or preparation time, Dong Chunyu suddenly received the order to step in. “The day before the match, Zhao Bo sent me a message saying, ‘Brother Dong, be ready. I have a fever and am at the hospital. I might not be able to play tomorrow,'” Dong recalled.
“To be honest, I was very nervous and uncertain,” Dong admitted. Although he had maintained good form in training and warm-up matches, he had not played in a real competitive game for a long time, which left him uneasy.
In that match, Dong Chunyu wore the captain’s armband and made several crucial saves, helping Zhejiang secure a hard-fought victory.
In the 43rd minute, South Korean midfielder Park Jin-seop made a passing error that gifted the ball to the opponent, allowing former Zhejiang foreign player Owusu to score against his old club. “I might attribute that mistake to bad luck,” Dong said. He explained that the ball bounced slightly due to uneven pitch conditions, and the final touch landed on Park’s heel. As captain, Dong communicated with Park during halftime, and they encouraged each other.
Dong believes the team’s unity is crucial in overcoming adversity. “The relationships among teammates are very close. Before I went on the field, they encouraged me in a joking way. For example, Zhao Bo would say, ‘Old-school A is going to play now.’ Our captain, Cheng Jin, although unable to play due to injury, came to the locker room and kissed my hand both before and after the match, blessing me to perform well on the field,” Dong said. These warm details reflect how the team remains united and supportive during tough times.
When asked how a player maintains high discipline despite a slim chance of playing, Dong Chunyu said, “It’s more about genuine intention than discipline. I have been at Zhejiang for two seasons, and my contract was extended at the beginning of this year, which shows the club’s trust in me. Everything I do comes from a pure desire to repay that trust.”