Charlton Athletic Football Club

• Nickname:The Addicks
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Chris Powell

• Ground:The Valley
• Capacity:27111

Addicks welcome back Zheng

03 Sep 2008 - 13:34:20

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Charlton Athletic have welcomed the news that Zhi Zheng remains their player after a transfer deadline day move to West Bromwich Albion failed to materialise.

The China midfielder has now returned to The Valley after missing the opening weeks of the new season while on international duty at the Beijing Olympics.

Zheng was expected to join the Premier League club during the closing days of the transfer window, but Addicks chief executive Steve Waggott is delighted to have kept the 28-year-old at the club.

"There has been plenty of talk this summer about the club's finances, but I think what this instance shows is that we were only prepared to let players leave if it was the right deal for the club and the player in question," he told the club's official website.

"The deal for ZiZi wasn't right and we're delighted he's still a Charlton player, particularly because he loves the club so much.

"Having ZiZi in the squad is a huge boost for us, especially due to China's lack of commitments with no World Cup qualifiers or Olympics on the horizon.

"He's a fantastic player and we look forward to a big contribution from him as we try to regain our status in the top flight."