Charlton's Chinese international captain Zheng Zhi denied
reports that he may move to an English Premier League club after
the winter window opens.
"I do not know about it at all. I think it's just the media who
spread the speculation," said Zheng. "It will not do any good for
me or for the club."
Zheng, 27, who has been recognized by teammates and coaches for
his inspirational role in the midfield, said he will not be
distracted by the rumors at all, and he is fully focused on helping
Charlton return to the lucrative Premier League following the
club's relegation last season.
"I will not pay any attention to those reports, not to mention
the possibility to have my future into consideration right now. I
will be concentrated on the game and do my best to help win matches
for the team."
He signed a two-year contract at The Valley after completing his
two-million-pound ($4 million) move from Shandong Luneng in
China.
The Addicks are fouth in the table, four points adrift of West
Brom, which currently occupies the second and last automatic
promotion spot.
But Zheng's Charlton side has suffered a string of recent
setbacks on home soil, losing four games in its last five,
including Saturday's 3-1 loss to Burnley.
Zheng, who has scored four goals in the championships, said his
team paid for an unhealthy mind at home.
"It's our second straight loss at home in a week. We were too
anxious to win in front of home fans.
"We wanted to push forward but we made mistakes in the back
field. But during away matches, we managed to keep composure,
played good defense and then launched successful
counter-attacks.
"Losses at home have a really bad impact on our future
competitions. I hope everyone will be able to adjust themselves in
time."
Manager Alan Pardew was also frustrated by his players'
stuttering performances over the past month.
"I'm very disappointed. We'd got ourselves into a great position
with four wins (last week on the road), and this week has knocked
us back," the coach said.
The loss to Burnley came just four days after Sheffield United
also left The Valley with three points, winning 3-0.
"I think our concentration levels have gone off, and that
resilience that you have to show away from home, we've not shown at
home, particularly in the first half when we conceded two soft
goals after quite a bright opening."
(China Daily December 4, 2007)