Who are the best Chinese players to have played in Europe as Inter looks to add one to their ranks?
Inter Milan president Steven Zhang admits he would like the club to sign a Chinese player but says they are yet to find good talent.
“In these eight years I have thought about this aspect, but I wanted to think above all about the training of the players.
“At the moment there are no suitable players, then if one emerges, I hope to bring him to Italy.”
“After all, the club is called Internazionale: already when it was founded it had players from different nationalities.
Wu Lei- Espanyol (2019 – 2022)
Wu is considered to be one of the best Chinese players of his generation. He is also one of the best strikers China ever had and is their highest goal scorer. Wu is also Shanghai SIPG’s highest goal scorer, earning a transfer to RCD Espanyol for €2 million.
He managed over 100 appearances for Espanyol and scored 10 goals before departing at the end of his contract.
Sun Jihai – Manchester City (2002 – 2008)
Sun Jihai is arguably the most famous Chinese footballer ever and is one of the best Chinese players to have played in Europe.
He gained world wide recognition for being the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League. He also scored in the UEFA Cup, the first Chinese player to do so.
Sun Jihai played over 100 matches in the Chinese super league before joining Crystal Palace on loan. He made an impression at palace, earning himself a move to Manchester City for £2 million in 2002.
His headed goal in a 2-0 win over Birmingham saw him become the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League. He quickly became a fan favorite, winning the club’s player of the month award on one occasion.
Li Tie- Everton (2002- 2006)
Li Tie was considered one of the best players of his generation but saw his career plagued by injuries.
He started out in defensive midfield at Liaoning before heading to Everton in 2002, a move engineered by club sponsors Kehian.
Li enjoyed a successful loan spell, forcing Everton to fork out £1.2 million to sign him the following year. He soon suffered a leg break that restricted his appearances before he was moved, first to Sheffield United then back to China.
Zheng Zhi- Charlton Athletic (2007— 2009)
Zheng Zhi impressed sufficiently in China, scoring 31 times in 45 games despite moving into the midfield from defense.
Charlton Athletic plumped for him, first on loan, then on a permanent deal for £2 million. Zheng managed 55 appearances and scored eight times before moving to Celtic in Scotland.
