Zheng Zhi, China's football shine at Asian football annual awards gala

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Zheng Zhi of China poses with his trophy at the AFC Player of the Year ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Nov. 26, 2013. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

China's football became a surprising big winner of the annual gala of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) here on Tuesday after grabbing some of the most heavy-weight awards of the year 2013.

Chinese national football team skipper Zheng Zhi was named the AFC football player of the year, defeating South Korea's footballer Ha Dae Sung from FC Seoul as well as Iran and Esteghlal ace Javad Nekonam.

The midfielder Zheng, 33, who was nominated for the second consecutive year, said winning the award was like a childhood dream comes true.

"Winning the award at this age, I am extremely excited," he said.

Zheng signed with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2010 after spelled in former English Premier League team Charlton Athletic and Scottish giants Celtic.

He soon became the backbone of the team, first coached by Korean Lee Jang-Soo and then World Cup winner Marcello Lippi, and returned to the China's national team.

Under Lippi, Guangzhou Evergrande became one of the most formidable clubs in Asia. The team won the third consecutive domestic league title this year and claimed the first Asian football club champion for Chinese clubs in more than two decades.

Guangzhou Evergrande was awarded the club of the year while Zheng's teammate, Brazilian striker Murique, was named the Asian Foreign Player of the year.

Zheng said he and the team had a fantastic year. "I keep the childhood passion for football, feel comfortable in the team and enjoy the games."

Meanwhile, Chinese Football Association surprised many Chinese fans by winning the fair play association and the AFC member association of the year (Inspiring Category).

Despite the glorious success by Guangzhou Evergrande in Asia, many Chinese were dismayed by the poor performance of the Chinese national team, which had been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers in early stage.

Lin Xiaohua, a senior official of the Chinese Football Association, said that Chinese football still has a long way to go.

• AFC annual awards winners 2013
• China wins most in AFC awards, but loses in CL slot allocation
• Guangzhou striker Muriqui awarded AFC Foreign Player of the Year
• China wins AFC Fair Play Association of the Year award

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