China's international soccer star Zheng Zhi has reached a two-year deal worth?2 million pounds (US$4.04 million) with his former English Premier League Club, his domestic club Shandong Luneng announced yesterday.

 

The transfer came as a big surprise to fans and media a day after the former Charlton Athletic player lined up for Luneng in a Chinese Super League match against Beijing Guo'an.

 

"Charlton keeps waiting for me since relegation from the top-flight last season," Zheng said.

 

"They showed their sincerity and the head coach has also recognized my performances in the team.

 

"Another reason for my return is I know I will have more time to play for the club than if I was in premiership clubs. Enough competition time is very important for a professional player."

 

 

Zheng flies to London today to prepare for the English Championship with his old team.

 

The 26-year-old enjoyed a successful loan stint with "The Addicks" toward the end of last season but returned to Shandong after the club was relegated.

 

Zheng has repeatedly said he hoped to play for another top-flight club rather than continue his overseas career in second division.

 

Various reports have said Newcastle United and Birmingham City were keen on the versatile midfielder, but Charlton's offer of regular first-team football prevailed.

 

"I'm delighted to sign Zheng," said manager Alan Pardew Pardew on the club's official website. "I felt in the group of strikers that we had, we lacked someone with genuine speed and pace to stretch teams.

 

"ZiZi came to us last season, and his return to us now in the Championship is a huge boost to me, the squad and the club.

 

"I hope we will be able to get him here as soon as possible, and integrate him into the new squad."

 

(China Daily August 10, 2007)