For Sergio Sanchez, a Spanish football coach at Jinan Thomas School, Jinan is more than just a workplace. After years of living and coaching in China, he now considers the city his second home.

Sanchez's passion for coaching football began at an early age. By 14, he was already working as an assistant coach for youth teams. His career eventually led him to Málaga CF, a prominent Spanish football club, where he gained valuable experience.

In 2015, La Liga launched a program to send experienced Spanish coaches to China. Through this initiative, Sanchez has trained thousands of young players nationwide and worked closely with Chinese educators to advance football development.

His path ultimately brought him to Jinan, where both his career and family life have prospered. Over the years, his family embraced local culture so thoroughly that Sanchez jokes his eldest son now speaks the Jinan dialect better than Spanish.

Outside of football, Sanchez has developed a liking for Shandong cuisine. He enjoys the region's rich and balanced flavors, with Jinan-style barbecue, especially roasted eggplant, being his favorite.

Reflecting on his time in the city, Sanchez describes Jinan as a modern, safe, and clean place that blends rich cultural heritage with modern urban development. To him, the city is no longer just a work destination but a community where he and his family truly belong.

Sergio Sanchez guides a young student during a training session. [Photo/The New Times]