Luo Guofu Photo: VCG

Naturalized player of the Chinese national football team Luo Guofu apologized on Tuesday to the Chinese Football Association (CFA) for his complaints about the association's arrangements after being stranded at an airport in the Netherlands due to a flight cancelation.

"I was angry and anxious when I said some radical words without adequate appreciation of the facts, which is unfair to the CFA," Luo said on his Sina Weibo account.

"If the CFA had not given me the opportunity, I would not have been able to join the team," Luo added, noting that he received considerable help and care from the association during his years in China.

On Sunday, Luo accused the CFA of disrespecting naturalized players after three naturalized players were stranded at the airport when they were scheduled to fly from Brazil to Japan, with a transit in the Netherlands, to join the rest of the team in Tokyo.   

The post caused a stir on Chinese social media, with some netizens expressing sympathy for the players. However, many point out that the naturalized players' agitation may also be attributed to a lack of understanding of the football association's efforts to get them to Tokyo.

The Chinese national football team announced on its official social media on Monday that Luo Guofu and Alan have arrived in Tokyo on Monday and will join the team after receiving nucleic acid results.

Luo Guofu and Alan will play for China in the World Cup qualifiers, while Fernando, another naturalized player, will be absent from this competition after applying to return to Brazil for family reasons during a transfer in Amsterdam, said in a statement released by the Chinese national football team.

According to Oriental Sports Daily, Luo apologized once he met with the football association in Tokyo. Luo made it clear to the team leaders that it was important to look ahead and play well. He felt his actions cast a negative light on the team and hoped the team could forgive his impulsiveness.

It is also reported that the CFA has managed to communicate with naturalized players, explaining to them in detail the difficulties encountered in arranging the trip, which is finally understood by the players.

Li Xiaopeng, the head coach of the Chinese national football team, told the China Central Television (CCTV) on Monday that the naturalized players had proved their love for the team by making the long journey from Brazil to Tokyo. Such behavior will no doubt be uplifting for everyone in the team and a huge boost to the team's confidence.

Global Times