Owen Fulfills Three-Year Promise to Guizhou 'Village Super League'

England legend Michael Owen appeared at the 'Village Super League' in Rongjiang, Guizhou, greeting fans in Chinese and fulfilling a promise made three years ago.

On the evening of June 24, 2024, the 'Village Super League' (VSL) football field in Rongjiang, Guizhou, was buzzing with excitement. England football legend Michael James Owen, known as the 'Wonder Boy,' stepped onto the pitch wearing a jersey printed with 'Rongjiang.' His fluent Chinese greeting, 'Good evening everyone, I am Owen!' instantly ignited the passion of the crowd. Owen's visit fulfilled a promise made three years ago. In 2021, when the VSL first went viral, local fans invited Owen via social media to experience the charm of village football. Owen replied, 'I will go if I have the chance,' and that commitment was finally realized. That evening, Owen not only watched the VSL matches but also participated in interactive sessions. He personally awarded prizes to winning teams and played football with local players. During a penalty shootout, Owen showcased his trademark accurate shooting, drawing cheers from the audience. He also donated his signed jersey to Rongjiang as a token of friendship. The VSL is a grassroots football tournament organized by villagers in Rongjiang, Guizhou. It gained online fame for its pure passion for football and unique ethnic cultural atmosphere. During matches, teams enter the field in traditional costumes, and halftime features performances such as Dong Grand Song and Miao Lusheng dance, creating a distinctive blend of football and ethnic culture. In an interview, Owen said, 'The football atmosphere here reminds me of my childhood days playing on the streets. Football belongs to everyone, and the love for the game is the same no matter where you are.' He praised the VSL as the purest form of football and expressed hope that more people would support village football. Owen's visit not only fulfilled a personal promise but also became a story of cultural exchange in football. The VSL organizing committee stated that they will continue to invite more international stars to bring village football to the world. With Owen's arrival, the VSL's popularity surged again. Related topics on social media garnered over 100 million views, with many netizens commenting, 'Football knows no borders, and passion can overcome time.' This three-year promise not only fulfilled the dreams of local fans but also injected new vitality into China's rural sports.

Owen Fulfills Three-Year Promise to Guizhou 'Village Super League'

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