Away from home
Fan Zhiyi Arguably China's most successful export to Europe, Fan (above right) joined London club Crystal Palace in 1998, becoming the first Chinese-born player to play in England. He soon became a crowd favourite, winning the supporter's player of the year award in 2001, the same year he was named Asian footballer of the year. He later played for Cardiff City and Dundee, in the Scottish Premier League. Now aged 38, Fan is attempting to start a coaching career.
Sun Jihai Sun (above left) first went to England as part of the same deal that took Fan to Crystal Palace, but returned to China after just one season. Sun was then signed by Manchester City in 2002 and has since played more than 100 games for the club. Injury problems have restricted his recent progress and despite a total of six years in England, he has spoken of his family's problems integrating into British society. 'The only reason I am here is for football, because my family don't really like the life here,' he said recently. 'We don't know the culture and we are scared of appearing rude.'
Li Weifeng After a single appearance for Everton in 2002, Li returned to China to join hometown team Shenzhen Jianlibao. Disciplinary problems saw him nicknamed Qiu Ba (soccer bully) and stripped of the national team's captaincy in 2005. Despite reported interest from Europe, he has remained in China and now plays for Shanghai Shenhua.
Li Tie On leaving Everton in June last year, after four injury-troubled seasons, the midfielder was a surprise target for EPL newcomers Sheffield United. Despite Li's injury problems and the fact he has played only once since arriving at Bramall Lane, United chairman Terry Robinson denies suggestions the Liaoning-born player was signed merely to boost the club's profile in China. Robinson has said, however, that United may loan Li to Chengdu Blades next season in a bid to get him fit.
Dong Fangzhuo After three lonely years in Belgium, on loan from Manchester United, Dong finally joined up with the rest of the Red Devils in January. Although yet to start a first-team game, he has been a regular for the reserves and United manager, Alex Ferguson, has spoken highly of the striker. 'He is quick and athletic,' says Ferguson, 'and he can only improve by training with the first-team squad.'
Zheng Zhi In December, China's national-team captain joined EPL strugglers Charlton Athletic on a six-month loan deal from Chinese Super League champions Shandong Luneng. In his brief cameos as a substitute at the London club, Zheng, a combative midfielder, has impressed, displaying the physique and pace needed to prosper in the rough and tumble of the EPL. Nevertheless, his future in England hinges on Charlton clinging to Premiership survival.
