The winter transfer window arrival justified his signing by hitting Espanyol's third goal in the 3-1 win over Valladolid on Saturday.
There were some initial doubts about his signing for Espanyol but all of that has faded away with every game he plays. And now, in his fifth game for the club, Wu Lei has opened his account for the Pericos and in the process, becomes the first Chinese player to score in Spain's top division, LaLiga. "I'm sure I'll remember that goal for the rest of my life. I'm very happy", he said, beaming in the mixed zone after yesterday's 3-1 home win over Valladolid, in which Wu Lei scored the team's third goal on 65 minutes.
Espanyol fans salute Wu Lei
Espanyol gave Wu Lei a huge ovation when he left the field on 83 minutes, substituted by Javi Puado. "I was very pleased and a bit bowled over by how the fans responded. I hope to score more goals and perform even better in front of them", Wu Lei explained: "I'm really happy. Just three months ago I was still in China, scoring goals, and now I'm doing it here. I'm thrilled with the support I've been given by my team mates and the goal was half Darder's because he put me through with a great pass".
Since his arrival little over a month ago, he has started to carve out a regular place in the side. He made his debut against Villarreal playing 12 minutes, against Rayo Vallecano he came on after Piatti got injured and won the penalty which handed the Periquitos victory. He was first choice in the last two games, and completed the game against Huesca. In every game Wu Lei has played so far, Espanyol have not been beaten.