Zheng relishes return

Striker has sights on top flight

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 9th August 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zheng relishes return

Zheng: High hopes

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Zheng Zhi hopes he can help power Charlton back into the Premier League after signing a permanent deal with the club.

The China captain, who had a loan spell with the Addicks last season, will fly into London on Friday to finalise the deal which could be worth up to £2million for Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng, who he is leaving.

"Returning to Charlton is not a bad choice," said Zheng. "As a Chinese player, I have nothing to complain about because we have few choices.

"Charlton have been expecting me and I feel grateful to them. I should also thank coach Alan Pardew for his trust in me. I am confident I can help Charlton win promotion to the Premier League."

The 26-year-old striker also held talks with Premier League clubs Newcastle and Birmingham but he could not reach an agreement.

"It was a pity that I couldn't land a deal with a Premier League side. There were a lot of reasons," he added.

"I can't decide my fate on my own. It couldn't be achieved unless all the parties including the English clubs, Shandong and me could reach a consensus."

Fitness not an issue

Zheng, who scored once last season against Newcastle, recently featured for China as they failed to qualify for the knockout stage of the Asian Cup.

He was replaced after just 20 minutes of his side's 6-1 Chinese Super League defeat to Beijing Guoan on Wednesday but insists he will regain his fitness soon.

"My form is not a big deal, I believe I can return to form soon," he said.

Zheng joined the club on the same day that striker Izale McLeod made his £1.55million move from MK Dons and Souleymane Diawara departed to join Bordeaux for an initial £2.6million.