Yatai Official: Returning Home to Care for Family, Yan Zhiyu Transfers to Wuhan Three Towns

According to Changchun Yatai Football Club, July 9th was an ordinary training day for the Yatai troops, but it became somewhat special due to Yan Zhiyu’s transfer. During lunchtime, Changchun Yatai Football Club held a brief farewell ceremony for the full-back who had served the team for six and a half seasons. Head coach Xie Hui, on behalf of the team, stated that in order to take care of his family, Yan Zhiyu proposed the idea of returning to his hometown to play for Wuhan. The club and the team highly respected his personal wishes and agreed to his application to transfer to Wuhan Three Towns.

On February 10, 2018, Yan Zhiyu officially joined Changchun Yatai. Over the following 1978 days, wearing the No. 24 Yatai jersey, he played a total of 106 matches for Changchun Yatai in league games and the Chinese FA Cup, scoring two goals, becoming the 28th player in Yatai’s history to reach the century milestone.

During his time with Changchun Yatai, Yan Zhiyu was known for his tough style and proactive tackling, earning him the nickname “The Desperate Warrior.” Additionally, he was a player with great responsibility and love. In March 2022, he personally purchased 10,000 N95 masks as anti-epidemic supplies to donate to Jilin City. At the time, Yan Zhiyu said, “What I did is not worth mentioning; it was just something I felt I should do!”

At lunchtime on July 9th, the Changchun Yatai team held a brief send-off party for Yan Zhiyu in the canteen. As he bid farewell, teammates took photos and hugged Yan Zhiyu goodbye, presenting him with a team-signed jersey in hopes of preserving memories of their shared battles.

At 3 PM, Yan Zhiyu left the Yatai football base for Changchun Longjia Airport. General Manager Zeng Jiaofeng expressed gratitude for his contributions to the club during the farewell, wishing him continued courage on his new journey, hoping that when he returns, he will still be young at heart. Yan Zhiyu also thanked the club for its support and recognition, as well as the tolerance and affection of Changchun fans.