Huang Xiyang: If possible, I wish to spend more days with Chongqing football.

Reporter Lu Mi reports. When the whistle signaling Chongqing Tongliang Long’s promotion to the Super League shattered the night, Huang Xiyang’s tears flowed from his long-shaking eyes. Within those tears lie the football memories of a city and the persistent commitment of a seasoned soldier. From the despair of the team’s dissolution to the difficult journey back; from enduring injuries with grit to battling with faith under a solitary lamp, he wove his love for his hometown and belief in football into every run and tackle.

Time has turned his temples gray but never cooled his burning passion. When the shout “The Super League is back to you” echoed through the stadium, what we witnessed was not only a promotion victory but also a footballer’s lifelong dedication, writing a passionate legend for the city of Chongqing.

◆ Football Magazine: On the day of promotion, you said you returned the Super League to the fans. Why was that your first thought?

Huang Xiyang: I was very emotional at the time, and later on stage, I told the fans the same thing. Actually, what I wanted to express more was that many people, including Lin Lin, Zhang Hao, Wang Kai, former coaching staff, Coach Salvador, and all the staff, contributed a lot to this day. I couldn’t have done it alone.

I had a small wish: Chongqing should at least have a professional team. With Tongliang Long competing in China League Two, that wish was already fulfilled. Over these seasons, the team has become more competitive, with a great chance to return to the Super League. I think since the Chongqing team disbanded, we have always gotten back up where we fell. Back then, with our group losing the team, I felt very guilty towards the fans and Chongqing football, which is why I said that.

◆In recent years, have you seen “returning to the Super League” more as a responsibility or a dream?

I never really distinguished between the two. After last year’s low point, when the team lost the chance to promote and missed the Super League spot, I was really disappointed and conflicted about whether to keep going. After the team advanced to China League One, promotion became my only reason to persist, even my last wish in my career.

◆This isn’t your first time successfully promoting, but what makes this one different?

Approaching the end of my career, every win feels like achieving a small goal in my heart. I play less and train less, and my goals have diminished, so I cherish every accomplishment. This promotion fulfilled my biggest current goal and resolved past regrets.

◆Which belief or whose encouragement has supported you to persist until now?

First, it’s my attachment to my hometown. After drifting for ten years, I wanted to return many times during free agency but never managed to. That knot never untied. Secondly, when the team was gone and I was in despair, I thought if I retired like that, I would regret it. I’ll never forget a fan telling me at the elevator, “We’re not afraid the team is gone, just afraid there won’t be any football to watch anymore.” When Tongliang Long got the League Two spot, my hope reignited. Though I don’t know how much longer I can keep going at my age, as long as there are so many supporters behind the team, I have confidence to keep going with them.

◆ This season’s promotion journey was full of twists; what kept everyone going to the end?

This year, I often told the young players that if a professional player never experiences the top league or even lacks the confidence and courage to reach it, then this career has no meaning. We also have some mid-career players; Xiang Yuwang is already 23. I hope they keep aspiring to higher levels, which gives them the courage to overcome difficulties. I think motivating them this way works. Of course, they’ve proven themselves and shown the toughness of Chongqing football.

◆At the moment of promotion, you, Wu Qing, and Qiu Weiguo all cried heavily. How would you describe the sentiment of old Chongqing footballers?

As a Chongqing native, contributing to hometown football fills me with pride; it’s also a recognition of myself. Also, most of us were trained locally, and after years of dedication, we’ve honored this profession and the fans who have always supported us. Counting up, we’ve served Chongqing football for over a decade, and the bond with the team and city is something we can never let go.

◆Football Magazine: Was there a moment this season that felt especially tough?

Huang Xiyang: There were two difficult periods this season. One was early in the season when I was injured but eager to help the team, so I actively recovered through injections and other means, which was tough physically and mentally. The other was when the team suffered three consecutive losses and rivals closed the points gap; I feared repeating last season’s failure. But after the coaching change, the team gradually withstood the pressure and achieved satisfactory results.

◆You also played through injuries this season, right?

Indeed, I had three muscle strains this season. I pulled my thigh during winter training, suffered a calf muscle tear in the first league match, then tore the calf muscle again later. During recovery, my toe was stepped on and injured. The skin there is thin with poor circulation, causing persistent swelling and pain from repeated friction during training. I had to use injections similar to nerve blocks to relieve it, though they have significant side effects and can’t be overused. Even now, my toe still hurts; GPS tracking shows I favor one side during running and direction changes due to the pain.

◆At the start of the season, few veteran players remained. What was your status within the team then?

At the season’s start, after Zhao Hejing and other veterans left, only Wu Qing and I remained as “old-timers,” which felt very lonely. Foreign coaches usually avoid too much private contact with players. Also, most teammates were young; during winter training, everyone focused on training, so whether for technical issues or just wanting to chat, there were few people to communicate deeply with.

◆Looking back now, are you glad you didn’t give up back then?

After the last match last season, I sat on the bench for a long time, feeling my career might be over. I struggled mentally, wondering whether to continue. Ultimately, my faith in football overcame my doubts. I told myself to give it one more try this year; if it still didn’t work, I’d end with regret. My path home has been full of hardships and unfairness, so I especially cherish this chance to serve my hometown team. Now I see the persistence was worth it.

◆On your birthday, you reached the 400-match milestone. Which moment was the most unforgettable?

Reaching 400 career matches on my birthday was truly memorable, both fulfilling and moving. Honestly, my career isn’t marked by great achievements, but in terms of hardships and ups and downs, maybe I rank high among Chinese players—a player with a story.

What touched me most at 400 matches was the Chongqing fans. At the 14th minute, the entire stadium chanted my name, and at halftime, they held up banners and signs specially made for me. At that moment, I genuinely felt the unity and passion of Chongqing fans. This hometown recognition is more precious than any achievement, making the 400-match milestone and my 40th birthday among my most unforgettable career memories.

◆When you first joined Tongliang Long, you said you were playing out the final flames of your career. How do you feel about your performance now?

I think I have fully utilized my remaining strength. This year, at several critical moments, I was able to step up and help the team. For me, an old player’s value isn’t necessarily starting every match or playing full time, but being able to stand up when the team needs it. That was my goal when I joined, and now I feel I have achieved it.

◆Football Magazine: Have you thought about playing again in the Super League?

Huang Xiyang: I haven’t considered that much yet; I still need to discuss with the club. Since I’ve already fulfilled my wish, if the team still needs me, I will definitely stand up without hesitation.

◆This is the first year with new investors. How has your team chemistry been?

Throughout the promotion journey, our cooperation has been smooth. Whether daily interactions or during winter training, we felt the new team’s professionalism. The owner, General Manager Li Ping, and other core members have decades of experience in football, understanding the game deeply and possessing rich industry knowledge. Their professionalism and work ethic in club management and operations make working with them reassuring and give us confidence.

◆What excites you most about the new era of Tongliang Long?

First, I hope more talented players emerge who have chances to join the national team—this is a regret in my career, so I especially look forward to young players fulfilling this dream. Second, I expect more players to fully showcase themselves on the Super League stage, a growth and breakthrough worth anticipating. Third and most importantly, I hope the club achieves long-term stable development. Having experienced the pain of team dissolution, I know that only by rooting the team in this city and combining with its football heritage can it develop steadily. This ensures our fans won’t lose their home, which is the foundation of all hopes.

◆Have you ever wished to turn back time by a few years?

More than a few years—I wish I could turn back twenty years. But time cannot be reversed. If possible, I want to spend more days with Chongqing football.

◆Do you see your younger self in any of the young players?

Li Zhenquan’s personality reminds me of myself back then, though our playing styles differ greatly. He has strong physicality and a forward-driving style, fitting modern football’s demands. He still has room to improve in technical details and match experience, and I’m willing to share my experience with him.

◆What does football mean to you?

I think it’s a lifelong gift. As a child, it taught me resilience and never giving up, and gave me a healthy body and mind. Growing up, passion turned into a career and later became a belief. Turning love into a profession is a blessing, and even though my career has been full of hardships, I am always grateful for this companionship.