As the LPL Summer 2021 officially kicked off, Invictus Gaming underwent some personnel changes. TheShy had to undergo treatment for arm and dental injuries and then had to go into quarantine, so he couldn’t join the team in time. Young player Neny from IG.Young was promoted to the main team to replace the Korean veteran in the early weeks of the season.
In response to the expectations of both the management and fans, Neny delivered some decent performances, even considered satisfactory for his first time competing in the highest-level League of Legends tournament in China and even the world. Notably, Neny played exceptionally well in IG’s victories against Suning, Ultra Prime, and especially FunPlus Phoenix, where he faced the reigning world champion Nuguri. Many IG fans hoped he would soon succeed TheShy, especially since the Korean player had somewhat lost his form after achieving numerous titles and dealing with injuries.
However, just as the 2003-born player was starting to find his rhythm, TheShy returned, and Neny had to go back to the youth team. But according to newly confirmed information, Neny has also left IG.Y, and notably, according to revelations from the manager of IG.Y, this player had disputes with the coaching staff and no longer maintained good form. According to IG.Y’s manager, he did not allow Neny to play for the team in LDL because Neny was the reason the whole team lost unity.
Some opinions suggest that the root cause may stem from TheShy himself. Specifically, Neny suffered a major psychological shock when he was performing well (even being voted as the best player of the week) only for TheShy to return and automatically reclaim his starting position. As for Neny, he was even not kept as a substitute on the main team. Bearing too much pressure and then returning to the youth team was too much for Neny to handle. Coupled with being criticized by the youth team manager, it’s not surprising that Neny left IG to seek better opportunities for his career.
Additionally, some people have mentioned regulations from Chinese authorities regarding gamers under 18, but this seems somewhat unreasonable as Neny will turn 18 in just a few days (he was born on 23/09/2003).
But whatever the reason, the League of Legends community in China certainly does not wish for a promising name like Neny to face difficulties in his career. Many hope that Neny will return soon and shine, even if it may never be in the IG colors again.