Fan wants more Chinese to follow Zhang footsteps
Print Edition
CHINA’S World Cup defender Fan Zhiyi has called for more players from the country to follow in the footsteps of striker Zhang Yuning and test themselves in Europe’s leading leagues.
Zhang, who spent the last two seasons in the Netherlands with Vitesse, signed a three-year contract with West Bromwich Albion in July before being sent on a two-year loan to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
The 20-year-old is the only member of China’s national squad currently playing in Europe and Fan, who played a key role in qualifying China for its only World Cup appearance in 2002, wants to see more players from the country follow suit.
“For me, they should try,” Fan, who had spells at Crystal Palace, Dundee and Cardiff City during his playing career, said.
“They shouldn’t only say that I can play in Europe, they should try. There’s a difference.”
China’s domestic league has experienced a significant influx of foreign talent, with big names such as Oscar and Carlos Tevez moving to the Chinese Super League for huge salaries.
The country’s best talent has also benefited financially.
While players such as Zhang Linpeng and Wu Lei were linked with moves abroad, they have stayed at Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG, respectively, but Zhang Yuning has bucked that trend and Fan believes he will benefit.
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