Lorite has another plan: to collect signed jerseys from every Changzhou player this season. "This year marks the fifth anniversary of our company's presence in Changzhou. I want to display the fully autographed shirts at our factory as a token of our affection for the city."

He works for Lamigraf, a Spanish company founded in Barcelona in 1976 and now a leading family-owned firm in the decorative paper industry, with a sales network in more than 60 countries and regions.

Five years ago, Lamigraf invested 10 million euros ($11.6 million) to establish Lamigraf (Changzhou) New Material Technology Co Ltd in Jiangsu, the group's fourth global production base and a key hub for its Asia-Pacific expansion.

When he first arrived, Lorite had concerns about operating overseas. But efficient local support and a reliable business environment soon eased his worries.

From project launch to full operation, the process took less than a year, setting a new record for the group's overseas factory construction. "It fully convinced me that investing in China was absolutely the right decision," he said.

Robust China-Spain economic ties have also given companies like Lamigraf new momentum. Lorite regards China as a reliable investment destination, committed to opening up and with strong long-term prospects.

He believes the two economies are highly complementary: Spanish products such as olive oil and wine are popular in China, while Europe can learn from China's rapid advances in new energy, AI and other fields. He hopes to see more mutual investment and deeper cooperation between businesses on both sides.

After five years in Changzhou, Lorite has fully embraced life in China. Outside work, he goes hiking, camps and barbecues with friends, and takes his children to school sports events. "Little by little, I've felt the warm hospitality of this country," he said.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in June, Lorite plans to stay up late to follow the tournament, but he will not stop cheering for the Su Super League.

"Watching the World Cup and the Su Super League brings two totally different feelings," he said. "As a Spaniard, I root passionately for my motherland in the World Cup, filled with excitement and national pride. The Su Super League, by contrast, helps me blend into my adopted home."

"I can cheer for my home country with all my heart, and also shout for my second hometown," he said. "These feelings never clash. Football truly bridges people across borders. It is a universal language shared by all humanity."

"For me, football is far more than just a sport. It is a culture and a bond connecting people from different nations." Lorite believes thriving city leagues across China will enrich cultural and sporting life and create new platforms for Chinese cities to engage with the world.

Looking ahead, he plans to continue putting down roots in Changzhou, strengthening China-Spain ties and promoting more cross-cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two countries.