Li Wengang is known as Rossi the fans emperor in China

He organised China’s first fans club

He followed nearly every home match of the national team since 1986

Rossi is not a Chinese name. It is, though, one that’s very popular among Chinese football fans. If you bump into a Chinese supporter and ask him about Rossi, the answer will probably be:"Rossi? I know him, he is the fans' emperor."

All that began in the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™, when Paolo Rossi scored six times to finish as the tournament top-scorer and to help Italy to their third world title. Overnight, the name of Rossi was on the lips of football lovers across Anshan, an industrial city 400 miles north to Beijing.

Li Wengang was then a 38-year-old power substation employee known for his footballing passion among the local supporters. He became extremely busy during that World Cup, heading to the fans' meeting instead of home after work. He was needed to wrap up the day's matches. He answered every question from his fellow enthusiasts – many about Rossi.

For his envious football knowledge as well as his resemblance to the Italian legend, it was not long before the nickname Rossi took hold.

Becoming the fans' emperor

Li became obsessed with the game. He began to dream that one day China team would emulate Italy's feat and become world champions. He decided to show his support by following the team during every home game.

He asked his boss for leave to travel across the country for the national team's fixtures. In the process, he made friends with supporters nationwide and was always the centre in the fans' meetings.

“For all these years since 1986, I have tried to follow the national team for every home match, missing just six games,” he told FIFA.com.

While he would go on to lose his job, he opened a restaurant, ‘Rossi Pub’, which immediately served as a venue for the fans' meetings. Free meals and beers were on offer for his fellow die-hards – be they friends or strangers – travelling afar to see him.

"I made some money, but I spent much more on hosting those fans and friends. It was football that united us," he said.