Fan Zhiyi Responds to Emerging as a Entertainment Icon: Can't Handle Such Praise, Stop Exaggerating

Recently, former national footballer Fan Zhiyi gained attention for his role as "Director Fan" in the TV series "Blooming Flowers." Previously shining in talk shows and variety shows, he was dubbed by netizens as suitable for crossing over into various fields, becoming a "self-media top streamer." On January 15th, Fan Zhiyi posted a video responding to netizens claiming his expertise in football, acting, and variety shows, making him a "self-media top streamer."

Fan Zhiyi said, "Don't say such things; I can't handle it. Stop exaggerating. If you continue, Director Xu might call me again, and I'm already feeling overwhelmed. In reality, I'm still a football player; the rest is just trying it out. In any case, football is my everything. From playing since childhood to now, whether it's soft skills or hard skills, they're quite impressive. Otherwise, how can I live up to the title of 'General Fan'?"

Fan Zhiyi also mentioned that he only wanted to try acting at the time, but now everyone calls him "Director Fan" or "Master Fan."

According to previous media reports, during the peak of the drama "Blooming Flowers," Fan Zhiyi's mentor Xu Genbao commented on his acting skills, saying he did well, and the role suited his personality. However, he still hopes Fan Zhiyi can return to football. "After all, he is a football person. When he sees our football falling behind, he should get involved. I believe deep down he still wants to be in football; he is fundamentally a football person. Without football, he has nothing. As the former Asian Footballer of the Year and 'General Fan,' where is his football reputation if he doesn't have football anymore?"

In the early years, Fan Zhiyi often livestreamed on social media. Xu Genbao repeatedly warned his disciple not to forget his identity as a "football person." As the only Asian Footballer of the Year in the Shanghai football scene, he should focus on football and contribute to Shanghai and Chinese football.