Relegation-risky English Premier League club Charlton Athletic has signed China captain Zheng Zhi on loan from China's Super League champion, Shandong Luneng, with a view to a permanent deal. Zheng, 26, who can play in defence or midfield, had a brief trial with the club under former head coach Les Reed last month before leaving to play for China at the Asian Games in Qatar.
Zheng, his country's footballer of the year in 2003 and 2006, will be the first Chinese player to represent the Addick and is the first signing of new manager Alan Pardew. Zheng scored 21 goals for Shandong Luneng this year.
Zheng, his country's footballer of the year in 2003 and 2006, will be the first Chinese player to represent the Addick and is the first signing of new manager Alan Pardew. Zheng scored 21 goals for Shandong Luneng this year.