New Zealand footballer returns to Hong Kong roots, is open to playing for city
Switch to grandmother’s hometown satisfies lifelong ambition for Marco Lorenz, who has ambitions of playing in South Korea, Japan or Europe
Regular visits to Hong Kong piqued the interest of New Zealand youth defender Marco Lorenz to the extent that Premier League Eastern, and maybe even the city team, are set to benefit.
Lorenz, who has joined the local team from Auckland United, has a grandmother from the city and relatives still living in its confines.
His maternal grandmother and his grandfather, who is from Guangzhou, emigrated to New Zealand before Lorenz’s mother was born.
The idea of one day moving to Hong Kong was formed during visits to family in the city.
“I’ve kept an eye on the Premier League; I think the football’s good and I want to experience the lifestyle because of my background,” Lorenz said.
“My grandma has nine siblings, so I have a lot of family here. I’m really confident I’ll settle. I enjoy Hong Kong culture. We used to go to my grandma’s house and all eat and talk together, which I loved.”