FIFA, the world's football governing body, has published an interview with Chinese women's soccer star Sun Wen, exploring the reasons behind her return to professional soccer.

The 32-year-old striker had a successful career highlighted when she was named FIFA female player of the century in 2001. She is also one of 14 FIFA women's football ambassadors.

On FIFA's official website, Sun Wen has commented that soccer has always been in her blood and she naturally decided to make a comeback after receiving a phone call from re-appointed head coach Ma Liangxing.

Against all odds, the former star striker returns to the soccer pitch and will surely act as a role model for her younger peers on the national team.

Sun Wen is happy that the tradition of wearing the old Steel Roses outfit is making a comeback, saying she would love to pass the legacy on to the younger generation along with her fighting team spirit.

(CRI English?February 14, 2006)