China

Birthday boy Sun gets chance to shine at PSV

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-01-15 13:37

China winger Sun Xiang was celebrating his "most unforgettable" birthday on Monday after Shanghai Shenhua agreed to let him to go on loan to Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven for the rest of the season.

Sun Xiang

The China Super League (CSL) club had originally blocked the 150,000 euros ($194,000) deal, with the option of a three-year permanent move for around one million euros, but relented over the weekend after 25-year-old Sun pleaded to be allowed to leave.

"This is my most unforgettable birthday... I hope it's also a new start to my football career," Sun told Titan sports Web site from Spain where he is with the China squad.

"I was really excited when I heard about the deal... I feel very lucky to get this chance."

Sun, who can play anywhere on the left side, impressed PSV coach Ronald Koeman on a two-week trial at the club along with his twin brother Sun Ji in November.

PSV, who took an 11-point lead at the top of the Dutch league going into the winter break, are also training in Spain but Sun will have to return to Shanghai before reporting for duty next week.

"I know I'll face a lot of problems," Sun said. "I foresaw that and I'm ready.

"Language will be a problem. I'll learn Dutch as soon as I arrive. I'm going to strive to get myself fused into the team. I think I have good ability to learn. I'm confident.

"Of course, I hope I can stay, the longer the better. My goal is certainly three and a half years.

"The next couple of months will decide the future of my life. I have done the first step. Next thing is to see whether I can find my feet in Europe with my strength."