Corinthians’ Chinese attacking midfielder Chen Zhizhao has spoken of his delight at joining up with his national team setup for the first time this week ahead of an Asian Cup qualifying fixture with Iraq.
Chen, 25, joined Corinthians on loan in early 2012 from Shanghai Shenxin and, although he has not been exposed to much first-team football, has generally done well when he has.
While his club career may have slowed up, the tricky winger was called up Spain manager Jose Camacho for the current international fixtures and the player hopes to make the most of his latest opportunity.
“It was my childhood dream to wear the national shirt,” Chen told reporters. It’s an honour as well as great luck for me. I will do my best to prove I am worthy.”
It is likely that Chen will move on from Corinthians in the summer transfer window, with a return to China likely unless any European interest should emerge.
Source: China Daily
