Zheng Zhi

Zheng Zhi (, born August 20, 1980 in Shenyang, Liaoning) is a Chinese footballer who currently plays for Guangzhou FC. Starting his career as a defender, he would be moved into central midfield by his coach at Shenzhen Jianlibao and experienced immediate success there by winning the 2004 league title with them. A move to Shandong Luneng would see a prolific period in Zheng's career and he would become the captain of the Chinese national team, which then lead to moves to Charlton Athletic and Celtic.

Club career

China

In 1999, his club Liaoning Chuangye were involved in legal trouble and all assets of the club were frozen, including player transfers rights. After a year without playing professional football, he was transferred to Shenzhen Jianlibao, then coached by Zhu Guanghu, his former coach in the U-23 national team. At Shenzhen he transformed himself in a playmaker, however, he played as a defender under Arie Haan in the national team.

Charlton Athletic

He joined Charlton Athletic on loan on 29 December 2006 until the end of the season, with Charlton having an option to buy him. He was the first official signing of new manager Alan Pardew, though he had been on trial with the Addicks in November 2006 under previous manager Les Reed. He had scored 29 goals for Shandong Luneng as they won the national league title earlier in the year. Zheng made his Premier League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford when he replaced the injured Amdy Faye. His first goal...
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