Corinthians intend to expand into Asia with the signing of the promising Chinese striker.
Roberto de Andrade, the president of Corinthians, confirmed the signing of Chinese striker Chen Zhizhao, to reinforce the Brazilian champions for the 2012 Copa Libertadores.
"We have come to an agreement, with the player and with the club," declared De Andrade, in an interview with Sport TV.
Chen Zhizhao, 23, formerly of Nanchang Hengyuan, was purchased by Corinthians "to open the Chinese market," according to the president of the Brazilian club.
"To be able to open the market, first you need a Chinese player to be better known in China," said De Andrade, who explained that Corinthians plan to open a shop and to perform other promotional actions in the Asian country.
According to the Brazilian press, Chen Zhizhao arrives at the Sao Paulo-based club on a two-year loan deal. However, Corinthians have yet to confirm these details.
Chen Zhizhao started his professional career at Citizen in 2007, before moving to Nanchang Hengyuan two years later. He was on the verge of completing a move to Portugal's Liga de Honra side Trofense in 2011, but negotiations broke down over a pay dispute with his club.
At Corinthians, Chen Zhizhao is expected to fight for a position with strikers of the caliber of Liedson, Adriano, Willian, Emerson and Peruvian international Luis Ramirez.
"We have come to an agreement, with the player and with the club," declared De Andrade, in an interview with Sport TV.
Chen Zhizhao, 23, formerly of Nanchang Hengyuan, was purchased by Corinthians "to open the Chinese market," according to the president of the Brazilian club.
"To be able to open the market, first you need a Chinese player to be better known in China," said De Andrade, who explained that Corinthians plan to open a shop and to perform other promotional actions in the Asian country.
According to the Brazilian press, Chen Zhizhao arrives at the Sao Paulo-based club on a two-year loan deal. However, Corinthians have yet to confirm these details.
Chen Zhizhao started his professional career at Citizen in 2007, before moving to Nanchang Hengyuan two years later. He was on the verge of completing a move to Portugal's Liga de Honra side Trofense in 2011, but negotiations broke down over a pay dispute with his club.
At Corinthians, Chen Zhizhao is expected to fight for a position with strikers of the caliber of Liedson, Adriano, Willian, Emerson and Peruvian international Luis Ramirez.
