Chinese Defender Ends Contract With Everton

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, January 21, 2003

Chinese Defender Ends Contract With Everton

Chinese international Li Weifeng has terminated his contract with Everton after failing to settle in the English premier league side, according to the club's official website on Monday.

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Chinese international Li Weifeng has terminated his contract with Everton after failing to settle in the English premier league side, according to the club's official website on Monday.

The 24-year-old defender arrived at Goodison along with his international teammate Li Tie last summer as part of the sponsorship deal with Chinese electronics company Kejian.

But while Li Tie has managed to forge a regular role in the side, Li Weifeng was left out in the shadows and spent the majority of time playing in the reserve team.

"Li Weifeng found it harder to settle in England than Li Tie and he has returned home to China," manager David Moyes said on Monday.

"He has joined a club in China and on behalf of everyone at Everton we wish him all the very best with his future career," he added.

Li Weifeng returned to China to have treatment on a broken nose as well as playing two games for the national team prior to the Christmas holiday.

He was due to return later this month but instead he has rejoined his former club Shenzhen Jianlibao.

Li Weifeng said that the failure to earn first-team chances has led to his decision to stay at home on a permanent basis.

"I lost my way, my confidence went when I was off the pitch and not playing in the first team. I am afraid I cannot get that back if I play for the reserve team for a long time, that it's the reason why I would not come back," he was quoted as saying by the website.

"I am really wanted to play for the first team, but there are a lot of quality players in the same position and it is very difficult to get into the side."

Despite disappointment with his experience at Everton, Li Weifeng has cherished fond memories of his brief sojourn in the club.

"Everton was like a home for me. The manager is brilliant and all my teammates were friendly and accommodating and tried to help me settle.

"I have got many benefits from my experience at Everton. It's not only improved my football skill, but also gave me a lot of fresh ideas," he said.

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