Qiu Li wants to end title drought

The Shenyang, Liaoning native got his Singapore citizenship two years ago after playing key roles with the Young Lions and Tampines Rovers.

He started the 2010 season well, banging in 12 goals for Tampines before suffering a serious injury to his ACL(Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and LCL(Lateral Collateral Ligament) that kept him out for most part of the season.

Pre-season came along and the Chinese forward decided to return to his former club Home United in search of his first league title.

Speaking on his injuries and how he refuses to succumb to it, Qiu Li said: "I won't give up no matter how many injuries I suffer. I have no choice but to face up to reality. I have been enjoying my football in Singapore and if you really like what you as a career, you will be able to motivate yourself even when on the down.

"Despite being sitting out with injuries for most part of the past year, I am still optimistic. I've went back to China and came back around September 2010 to continue my rehabilitation on my ACL and MCL injuries. These injuries will definitely affect the way I play because full recovery could take up to a year but I can't wait that long."

The man who has plundered in 42 goals in the S.League is determined to put his personal targets aside and help the Protectors wrestle the title away from reigning champions, Etoile FC.

"I never set season targets. Since I started playing professional football, I have never set a target for myself. This is because I am more concerned with the team doing well rather than my personal goal target. If I score ten goals but my team loses eleven matches, what is the point? My aim as a footballer is to play well and help my team win the title. Personal targets don't matter.

"Of course I feel that Home United have a good chance to win the title this season. If not, I wouldn't have joined the team from my previous club (Tampines Rovers). I have been playing in the S.League for six years now and have never won a league title. This time out, I have the confidence that we can deliver." added Qiu Li.

Despite his firm commitment to help his club side win some silverware in 2011, the powerful hitman also had his eyes set firmly on the national side.

"I've never thought of going back to play in China. My wife and I really like living here in Singapore and I want to continue playing for the national team.

"We (national team) are going through a lull period at the moment. If you look at the past few years record, the Lions have done well because Baihakki Khaizan's generation came into the fray and having seen some of the Young Lions play, I strongly believe that this new crop of players will be able to hit their peak in the coming years and Singapore will be on the rise again."

Qiu Li has been brought in to play alongside fellow new signing, last season's top scorer in the league, Frederic Mendy who joined Home United from Etoile FC.

The duo will have to wait a couple of weeks due to an elbow injury that Qiu Li picked up in training this week.

Once he gets his chance to lace up his boots and take to the pitch again, fans can expect to see one of the most fearsome attacking partnerships in the league that could potentially prove to be the deciding factor on where the trophy ends up.