Zheng Zhi

Zheng Zhi (, born 20 August 1980, nicknamed "ZiZi") is a China football (soccer) player. He currently plays for Charlton Athletic F.C., having spent a period on-loan at the club in 2007. Starting his career as a defender, Zhi now plays as a midfielder. He is also captain (football) of the China national football team. In a March 2008 edition of British football magazine FourFourTwo, Zheng was voted the fifth best player in the Football League. He scored a total of seven league goals in the Championship season. However, because of the number games he played for both Charlton and the Chinese national team he was less effective in the second half of the season as a result of fatigue.

In the summer of 2008, Zheng was heavily linked with a transfer to . Although Charlton were in negotiations with the Baggies up to the end of the transfer window, the transfer failed to materialise.

Zheng Zhi is known for his work ethic and ball control skills. He is a solid defender, capable organizer in the midfield, and also serves as a viable option as a striker. He is often regarded as the best Chinese footballer of his generation. He has been nicknamed Zizi or ZZ Top by fans.

International career

Zheng joined the China national under-23 football team as the only player from the third division Chinese Football Association Yi League. Under Bobby Houghton, he mainly appeared at the right back position.

After Zhu Guanghu took over the national team, he appeared in midfield more often.

During France's final warm up match against China on June 7 2006, he tackled Djibril Cissé, which accidentally broke the Frenchman's leg.

Zheng was the captain of the 18-man China national football team that competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Club Career Stats

Correct as of 5 October 2008

International Goals

Awards

- 2004 AFC Asian Cup All-Star Team
- Chinese Super League Player of the Year: 2002, 2006