English helps Sun Xiang do talking in Europe
(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2004-12-29 15:02

Chinese footballer Sun Xiang is not just letting his game do the talking, he is hard at work learning English to prepare for his dream job playing professional football in Europe.

A report in South China Morning Post says, the Chinese international wingback recites a handful of English words every day.

Earlier this month Sun Xiang was picked for Brazilian ace Ronaldo's team in a charity match at the Bernabeu against a team led by Zinedine Zidane.

He became the first Chinese footballer to play at the stadium, mixing it up with some of most famous names in the game, including England international David Beckham, Spanish star Raul and Portugal's Luis Figo.

The 22-year-old hopes the experience is only a taster for when he eventually joins a top European club with whom he can make regular visits to the continent's most famous football arenas.

Sun has already been noticed by Dutch side Feyenoord, and his appearance at the Bernabeu will alert other continental clubs searching for rising Asian stars in Europe.