Something’s wrong: Li Yingying leaves Milan and returns to China after less than a month
The Li Yingying case is making Numia Vero Volleyball Milan fans discuss: the Chinese champion moved to Lombardy less than a month ago but, through a statement, the Lombard club announced that she will return to her country. “The athlete Li Yingying, by mutual agreement with Numia Vero Volley Milano, its management agency Gold Sport and her home club Tianjin Bohai Bank Volleyball Club, announces that she has decided to temporarily return to China” reads the official note issued by the club.
“This decision was made following several medical examinations carried out in recent weeks, which revealed some physical issues that require further and more in-depth specialized investigations – the note continues. In an atmosphere of full cooperation and mutual understanding, all parties involved considered it a priority to protect the athlete’s health and his sporting and personal future. Li Yingying will therefore return to China to undergo further medical examinations and undertake the therapeutic course deemed most appropriate, with the aim of dealing with the situation as calmly and responsibly as possible”
“Looking forward to meeting again soon, Vero Volleyball confirms its full availability to support the athlete for any need and thanks Li Yingying for the professionalism and helpfulness shown” concludes the official statement shared by Numia Vero Volley Milan. Li Yingying”s first experience in the Italian league certainly did not go as expected: there were high expectations on the Chinese setter given the Qiqihar-born outfielder”s very rich palmarès.
Li Yingying made a name for herself at a very young age, winning the bronze medal at the Under-19 World Championships when she was only 15 years old. From 2015 to the present, she has played for Tianjin Bohai Bank, collecting seven titles in the Chinese Super League and earning MVP honors five times. His palmares with the club also include podium finishes at the Club World Cup in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, taking third and second place, respectively.
During the last two editions, racking up individual awards for the Chinese band awarded – on both occasions – as the competition’s best female setter, as well as being the top scorer at the last World Cup. With the Chinese national team, Yingying has won a bronze (2018) and a silver (2023) in the Volleyball Nations League, a bronze at the 2018 World Cup and a gold in the 2019 World Cup.
