LONDON (AFP) - China captain Zheng Zhi has had no trouble
making an impact in the Premiership, but the Charlton midfielder is still
getting used to being ignored on the streets of London.
¡¡¡¡The 26-year-old has quickly established himself as a key f
igure at
struggling Charlton since his loan move from Shandong Luneng in January.
¡¡¡¡But, while he is used to being feted where ever he goes in China, Zheng has
yet to earn similar status in England, where the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven
Gerrard and Thierry Henry are the biggest stars.
¡¡¡¡Zheng has no complaints though because he has his family with him in London
and can always go to the capital city's Chinatown district if he is feeling
starved of attention.
¡¡¡¡"Football-wise, things don't seem much different than China, although there
are obviously more famous players here," Zheng said.
¡¡¡¡"There are other differences because in China I am quite well known. The
only time I am recognised here is when I walk through Chinatown.
¡¡¡¡"I go to English lessons three times a week and am feeling settled and
there are lots of good Chinese restaurants in London.
¡¡¡¡"My mum and dad are now living with me along with my wife and child."
¡¡¡¡Zheng is playing a crucial role in Charlton's fight to stay in the
Premiership and, after scoring on his full debut in a 2-0 win against Newcastle
earlier this month, he is keen to prolong his stay in England past the end of
the season when his loan expires.
¡¡¡¡"I am enjoying life here," he added. "I am still trying to adjust but the
players are really helping me a lot.
¡¡¡¡"I would like to stay at Charlton. I like it here a lot. I think here in
the future, more Chinese players will come to
England."