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Fan Zhiyi Hopes for New Challenge
As the first Chinese footballer playing in England, Fan Zhiyi still thinks the English first division side Crystal Palace will be the destination of his already glittering football career.
The former China's captain has been one of Palace's most consistent performers since he arrived two years ago and has impressed manager Alan Smith with his dedication and commitment. He will soon pass the 100 appearances mark and it has become hard to imagine them doing without him.
"My dream is to play in the Premiership, but we have to deal with where we are now. I think we can do quite well this season and I am very pleased we are in the League Cup semi-final."
Fan, 30, who can communicate with teammates and coaches in English, said: "I feel like I have adapted to living in a foreign country well. Everybody has been really nice and helpful. Life here is very good and I am enjoying things again now after all the changes."
He signed the London club from Shanghai Shenhua in August 1998 together with compatriot Sun Jihai in a one million pounds deal when former manager Terry Venables was in charge.
Sun, 22, has since returned to China after being convinced by friends and family, but recently attracted new interest from Palace and Newcastle.
Both players came to the attention of Palace through Ted Buxton, who spend 14 months as Chinese coach and was at Palace during Venables' time.
They are key players for the Chinese national side and realised how limited football is at home and the rewards on offer abroad.
"As a foreign player in England, you can prove to yourself and your country your real value," Fan said. "That's important and I know it makes people at home very proud, which I am very happy with. I have won almost everything in Chinese football and I came to England because I wanted a new challenge."
Fan led his former club Shanghai Shenhua to champion of Chinese first division league in 1995 and was one of the most expensive player in China. As a versatile player, he is good enough to play any position in the field.
"I am something of a superstar at home, but there are lots of other very good players. I think I can learn a lot from them," he said.
He added: "I like Palace and the environment here. The fans are also great."
It was predicted in local newspapers that Fan has brought Palace some one million fans and given the club a small fortune in television and advertising. The club has also travelled to Asian thanks to Fan's connections.
He plans to play for another two years for the club and the Chinese national team before considering call it quits.
"I think I will quit two years later when the contract with Palace expires," he told Xinhua. "I really want to play in the Premiership, and the Newcastle United has showed their interest, but the Palace said they will never let me go during these two years."
Fan must be one of the fittest players at Palace and has named Player of the Month for three months this season by the club. He said the best performance this season was the win over Premier League side Sunderland in the League Cup quarterfinals last Tuesday.
"We can beat Liverpool in the semis because the team have really come together. It is the first time I have felt this confident for a long time as last season was very difficult with the club's financial crisis."
"If my agent has found a good club for me, maybe I will leave here. But now I am happy. I will return home to be a coach once I have retired."
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