Shanghai SIPG’s Spanish central defender Iban Cuadrado has departed Shanghai after his one-year contract with the club finished at the the end of the season.
Cuadrado, 34, has the incredible record of playing every single minute of every single game and scoring a goal in the Shanghai side’s debut Chinese Super League campaign which saw them finish ninth this year.
Speaking exclusively to Wild East Football’s Peter Davis, Cuadrado explains where he stands with the club at present and why he is sad to be leaving it behind.
“I would like to renew my contract with Shanghai SIPG but as of today I do not know anything and therefore I am not closing myself off to offers from other Chinese clubs,” he said.
Following 15 years with Barcelona and over 200 appearances for Real Murcia where he was captain for a time Cuadrado will hardly be short of options but admits his happiness with his first CSL season.
“This has all been a tremendous experience. I am very happy with my first season here and happy to have played every game and every minute in the league,” he added.
Next seasons preparations are already well underway at Shanghai SIPG with the club having parted with Daniel McBreen who returned to A-League side Central Coast Mariners and manager Gao Hongbo who took over at Jiangsu Sainty.
Former Salamanca and Ponferradina defender Cuadrado is sad though to be leaving the SIPG fans behind though as he parts from the club.
“I would like to thank the fans from here Spain. I feel sad about leaving them because I have encouraged them a lot throughout the year and they have been supporting the team in good times and bad,” he said.
Beijing-based Peter Davis has followed Chinese football since 2008 and is a regular contributor to Wild East Football. He can be found on Twitter and Weibo at @peteydavis
by Peter Davis
Category: Chinese Super League, In Brief, Interviews
Tags: Daniel McBreen, Gao Hongbo, Ibán Cuadrado, Shanghai Dongya, shanghai east asia, Shanghai SIPG