Zhang keen to take advantage of Spanish chance to shine

Chinese international Zhang Chengdong promised he would do his best to repay the faith of Spanish BBVA Primera Liga club, Rayo Vallecano, when he was officially presented to the fans on Friday.

The Madrid based club has given Zhang, who will spend the season on loan at the Vallecas Stadium the chance to become the first ever Chinese footballer to play in the Spanish top-flight and he has already given a glimpse of his talent in his debut in a friendly game against second division side, Leganes.

He will face Oviedo in his home debut on Saturday, but ahead of that he spoke of his gratitude to Rayo.

"I am the first Chinese player to play in Spain and it is a dream come true," he said, before adding that the most important thing was "to work hard."

"I am very happy to have come here and I want to take advantage of my time in Spain," said Zheng, who has previously played in Germany and Portugal.

He said he had enjoyed his debut against Leganes, despite only having spent four days training with his new companions.

"Now I have to improve my football play, give balance to the side and try and contribute in both attack and in defense," explained Zhang, who spent last season working with former Rayo coach Gregorio Manzano at Beijing Guoan.

Zheng said that he played at right back for the Chinese national team, but had played on the right of midfield for his former club.

"The most important thing for me is to play and I will play wherever (Rayo) coach Paco Jemez asks me to," he commented. Endit