KUALA LUMPUR: China’s Zheng Zhi (pictured) beat Iranian star Javad Nekounam to the Asian Player of the Year award yesterday after leading Guangzhou Evergrande to a breakthrough regional title.
The 33-year-old, captain for his club and country, said it was a “special feeling” to win the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) prize after a distinguished career at home and in Europe.
Earlier this month the ex-Charlton Athletic and Celtic midfielder skippered Marcello Lippi-coached Guangzhou to the AFC Champions League title, China’s first Asian trophy in 23 years.
“There is a special feeling of winning this award at the age of 33. It’s a big occasion for me to win this award,” he said, after being showered with tickertape at a gala awards show.
“This season has been fantastic not only for me but the whole team... we are looking for the unique treble after winning the ACL (Champions League) and the (domestic) league, so it’s been a memorable one.”
Zheng has been a driving force behind Guangzhou’s transformation into the team after winning three straight Chinese Super League titles. AFP
