Ex-Man City defender Sun Jihai now a technology mogul!

Published on: 23 February 2017

Former Manchester City full-back Sun Jihai has entered the world of technology.

Sun Jihai enjoyed a very successful career in England playing for the likes of Crystal Palace, City and Sheffield United, and the ex-defender only recently hung up his boots back in December 2016, while with Chinese club Beijing Renhe at the age of 39.

While many former footballers take the route into coaching, Jihai has instead moved into the world of technology by co-founding HaiQiu Sports - a company that merges media, technology and data and the Asian superstar has explained how he made such an unconventional career switch.

Jihai told the Daily Star: "I was thinking about creating the company in November 2015 and the company was formed in February 2016 - the decision was taken quite quickly. It would be rather difficult for your average footballer to enter the technology sector.

"I was fortunate to have friends and partners who know about technology and other similar areas. Finishing your professional sporting career strongly is important. Talk to different friends who have the capability, not just on the financial side, but also on the business side.

"When you know more and learn more about the market then perhaps you can figure out something interesting to do. But as an athlete you need to have a team of people.

"Success in the commercial world is really difficult to achieve by yourself. The team is very important. Depending on their income or wealth, some professional athletes, including footballers, think about their futures.

"If a footballer is smart, has good talents and is serious about developing their own business then there's more potential for them to pursue it."

Source: tribalfootball.com

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more