Li quits Korea, joins Tianjin
By Ma Yue |
January 19, 2011, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FORMER Chinese national team captain Li Weifeng has parted ways with South Korean side Suwon Samsung Bluewings and is back in China with Tianjin Teda.
He still had a year left with the Bluewings but both parties mutually agreed to part ways, allowing the Chinese Super League side to sign him up as a free agent, according to Li's agent Yu Guoqiong.
The 33-year-old central defender decided to move after the Koreans could not guarantee him regular playing time in the 2011 K-League.
"There are some regrets, but it's happy ending to all," said Li.
Li left for Cyprus on Monday to join his new teammates who are training abroad.
Tianjin is managed by Dutch Arie Haan, who coached Li during his tenure as a national coach.
"I'm honored to be working with Arie Haan again. He knows me well and I hope to be involved with the team as soon as possible."
Li became the first Chinese to play in Korean League when he joined Suwon Samsung in January 2009. He played 82 matches and was twice nominated for the Asian Footballer Of The Year award. Suwon Samsung finished 7th in K-League last year and won the Korean FA Cup.
"He is the kind of player we need," said Tianjin Teda manager Li Guangyi. "His experience will greatly benefit the young players."
He still had a year left with the Bluewings but both parties mutually agreed to part ways, allowing the Chinese Super League side to sign him up as a free agent, according to Li's agent Yu Guoqiong.
The 33-year-old central defender decided to move after the Koreans could not guarantee him regular playing time in the 2011 K-League.
"There are some regrets, but it's happy ending to all," said Li.
Li left for Cyprus on Monday to join his new teammates who are training abroad.
Tianjin is managed by Dutch Arie Haan, who coached Li during his tenure as a national coach.
"I'm honored to be working with Arie Haan again. He knows me well and I hope to be involved with the team as soon as possible."
Li became the first Chinese to play in Korean League when he joined Suwon Samsung in January 2009. He played 82 matches and was twice nominated for the Asian Footballer Of The Year award. Suwon Samsung finished 7th in K-League last year and won the Korean FA Cup.
"He is the kind of player we need," said Tianjin Teda manager Li Guangyi. "His experience will greatly benefit the young players."
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