LaLiga Santander: 40 million Chinese fans watch Wu Lei's debut for RCD Espanyol de Barcelona

"Wu Lei's debut for RCD Espanyol de Barcelona's first team versus Villarreal CF last Sunday (2-2, Matchday 22 of the 2018-19 LaLiga Santander, 03/02/2019) was watched by more than 40 million people in China, through the various online TV platforms, data that certifies the enormous media appeal of the footballer in his home country," announced the Spanish club, on 07/02/2019.

Wu Lei (27), a Chinese international since 2010 (63 caps, 15 goals), was transferred from Shanghai SIPG FC (CSL) to RCD Espanyol for an estimated €2m in January 2019. A CSL champion in 2018 with Shanghai SIPG FC, the midfielder finished top goalscorer (27 goals) and was named player of the season.

"As the club has already pointed out, Wu Lei's signing by RCD Espanyol reached 350 million people in China. This remarkable popularity has also had reprecussions on social networks. On Instagram, Twitter and Facebook the club's total growth since the signing was announced is more than 20,500 followers, while in China the growth exceeds 520,000 followers," said RCD Espanyol.

• RCD Espanyol is currently thirteenth in…