Zheng Zhi nicknamed 'ZZ'after Zinedine Zidane
(Reuters)Updated: 2007-01-12 09:30
Charlton manager Alan Pardew hailed the arrival of China captain Zheng Zhi on Thursday, saying he was impressed with both the attitude and ability shown by the player.
 Zheng Zhi |
"We are going to call him ZZ," said Pardew, alluding to the most famous player ever to have those initials - the recently retired French great Zinedine Zidane.
The 26-year-old central midfielder arrived at the club on Monday in a loan deal from Shandong Luneng that will keep him at The Valley until their fight against relegation is decided one way or the other by the end of the season.
Charlton have an option to make the deal permanent and Pardew acknowledged that it will take Zheng a period of time to adapt to both the pace of English soccer and life in London before he makes his Premier League debut.
"I genuinely feel that it is perhaps too early for him to play this weekend. It is a huge adjustment for him to be in this country, let alone to the type of football that we play.
"He has approached it with a smile on his face. He is a smiley character and I like that. I think he has enjoyed it so far and hopefully that will continue."
The former China Footballer of the Year, speaking through an interpreter told a news conference: "I am going to work hard to try and be a success here, but it will take take time to adjust and settle although I am confident I can be successful.
"I know I could spend a lot of time on the bench. But I want to play in the first team soon. That is my goal. I will not let the fans down."
Zhi will make his club debut for the reserves on January 22 against Chelsea.
Charlton are currently deep in relegation trouble, lying 19th in the 20-team division and face a tough battle to avoid the drop.
Pardew claimed Zheng Zhi's technical ability is on a par with the rest of his squad, explaining: "Thats probably his biggest strength. He doesn't look like he is going to have a problem in that area."
It was a busy day for Charlton who also signed defender Ben Thatcher from Manchester City for 500,000 pounds.
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