China's international soccer star Zheng Zhi has reached a
two-year deal worth?2 million pounds (US$4.04 million) with
his former English Premier League Club, his domestic club Shandong
Luneng announced yesterday.
The transfer came as a big surprise to fans and media a day
after the former Charlton Athletic player lined up for Luneng in a
Chinese Super League match against Beijing Guo'an.
"Charlton keeps waiting for me since relegation from the
top-flight last season," Zheng said.
"They showed their sincerity and the head coach has also
recognized my performances in the team.
"Another reason for my return is I know I will have more time to
play for the club than if I was in premiership clubs. Enough
competition time is very important for a professional player."
Zheng flies to London today to prepare for the English
Championship with his old team.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a successful loan stint with "The
Addicks" toward the end of last season but returned to Shandong
after the club was relegated.
Zheng has repeatedly said he hoped to play for another
top-flight club rather than continue his overseas career in second
division.
Various reports have said Newcastle United and Birmingham City
were keen on the versatile midfielder, but Charlton's offer of
regular first-team football prevailed.
"I'm delighted to sign Zheng," said manager Alan Pardew Pardew
on the club's official website. "I felt in the group of strikers
that we had, we lacked someone with genuine speed and pace to
stretch teams.
"ZiZi came to us last season, and his return to us now in the
Championship is a huge boost to me, the squad and the club.
"I hope we will be able to get him here as soon as possible, and
integrate him into the new squad."
(China Daily August 10, 2007)
