Chinese forward Wu Lei happy after a year with Espanyol

Chinese forward Wu Lei, who joined Espanyol a year ago, said here Thursday that he was in the best league in the world and enjoyed it.

Telling a press conference held by the Barcelona-based team, Wu said, "It was a good decision to join Espanyol. I have improved a lot and I have enjoyed this year."

Espanyol have qualified for the knockout stage of the Europa League, but they are currently at bottom of the table with just 11 points from their first 19 games of the season.

Wu expressed his confidence that his side could avoid relegation.

Former Alaves boss Abelardo Fernandez was appointed as their third coach of the campaign at the end of last year and gave fans and players hope when he led them to a 2-2 draw at home to league leaders, FC Barcelona in his first game in charge.

"He has given us a lot of confidence and we have to be positive. The draw in our last game has given us a lot of energy," said Wu.

"All I am thinking is that we can save ourselves and we are all confident that we can do that. I am not thinking about anything else," insisted the forward.

Wu also welcomed Espanyol's record signing, Raul de Tomas to the club and said that he did not mind if the arrival of the former Rayo Vallecano, Benfica and Real Madrid forward meant he had to settle for a place on the subs' bench in forthcoming games.