Sun Jihai recognizes his responsibility
(sportinglife)
Updated: 2005-07-18 10:31

China international Sun Jihai returns to the Far East this week convinced there are plenty more Asian players who could cut it in the Premier League.

Sun Jihai and fellow countryman Li Tie have begun to make an impact English football in recent years, proving soccer's most quickly developing region is capable of producing top-class exports.

The attention on Sun Jihai may be diluted somewhat by the arrival of South Korean star Park Ji-Sung at nearby Manchester United, but, after nearly five seasons in England, including one campaign with Crystal Palace, the 27-year-old knows he is still viewed as a major role model back home.

And that is why, when he makes the short hop from his homeland to Thailand on Monday to link up with his Manchester City team-mates for their FA Premier League Asia Trophy campaign, his performances will be scrutinised more than anyone else.

It might be a harsh situation for a player who has only just recovered from cruciate ligament surgery but the former Dalian Wanda star recognises the responsibilities resting on his broad shoulders.

"A lot of players from China could play in England and the better the likes of myself and Li Tie do, the more it will encourage players from my country," he said.