Charlton's Chinese international captain Zheng Zhi denied reports that he may move to an English Premier League club after the winter window opens.

 

"I do not know about it at all. I think it's just the media who spread the speculation," said Zheng. "It will not do any good for me or for the club."

 

Zheng, 27, who has been recognized by teammates and coaches for his inspirational role in the midfield, said he will not be distracted by the rumors at all, and he is fully focused on helping Charlton return to the lucrative Premier League following the club's relegation last season.

 

"I will not pay any attention to those reports, not to mention the possibility to have my future into consideration right now. I will be concentrated on the game and do my best to help win matches for the team."

 

He signed a two-year contract at The Valley after completing his two-million-pound ($4 million) move from Shandong Luneng in China.

 

The Addicks are fouth in the table, four points adrift of West Brom, which currently occupies the second and last automatic promotion spot.

 

But Zheng's Charlton side has suffered a string of recent setbacks on home soil, losing four games in its last five, including Saturday's 3-1 loss to Burnley.

 

Zheng, who has scored four goals in the championships, said his team paid for an unhealthy mind at home.

 

"It's our second straight loss at home in a week. We were too anxious to win in front of home fans.

 

"We wanted to push forward but we made mistakes in the back field. But during away matches, we managed to keep composure, played good defense and then launched successful counter-attacks.

 

"Losses at home have a really bad impact on our future competitions. I hope everyone will be able to adjust themselves in time."

 

Manager Alan Pardew was also frustrated by his players' stuttering performances over the past month.

 

"I'm very disappointed. We'd got ourselves into a great position with four wins (last week on the road), and this week has knocked us back," the coach said.

 

The loss to Burnley came just four days after Sheffield United also left The Valley with three points, winning 3-0.

 

"I think our concentration levels have gone off, and that resilience that you have to show away from home, we've not shown at home, particularly in the first half when we conceded two soft goals after quite a bright opening."

 

(China Daily December 4, 2007)