Almazan rejected advances from a China League One club in midseason, but acknowledged he would “love” a future mainland transfer.
Roberto Losada, the Eastern head coach, is open about wanting his players to “go to China to make money, and have a life”.
He would be loath to lose Almazan, however, after taking a chance on him following a word from Pirri, who also played with Losada in Spain.
Almazan went off injured in both his opening two Eastern games, as he endured “a tough beginning”, but has been ever present during an unbeaten 10-game run, when his side conceded only five goals.
“I was not used to the weather and the pitches,” he said. “As a team, it was not like now; we trust each other, and believe in the coach’s idea.”
“I am happy I stayed, what we are doing is amazing,” Almazan said. “It will be incredible to play in a final in my first season.”
https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262446/uncle-david-villa-how-ex-barcelona-world-cup-and-uefa-champions-league-winner-helped-eastern-talent