Chinese Sun Jihai becomes English Premier League club's ambassador

Former China international Sun Jihai will become the Club Ambassador in China for English Premier League club Manchester City.

The club announced Friday on its website that the Chinese Sun will "make a return to the Club" after he spent six years with the Blues between 2002 to 2008, making 130 appearances and scoring on four occasions.

"He was the first Chinese player to score in the Premier League; heading home in a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in October 2002.

"The defender was a fan favorite, helping City to win the First Division title in 2002," said the club.

The news was first shared by Sun during a live broadcast of popular CCTV program Who is the King - a school-centric football contest program, where Sun was invited as a guest star to engage with football teams of all ages from primary school through to college.

As part of his new role as ambassador, Sun will promote the work City are undertaking within the local community and with their local partners in China.

Speaking about his appointment, Sun said: "I'm more than happy to rejoin the big Manchester City family and take on the new role as an ambassador.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the professional marketing and management team at City to promote football in China, and to work with City fans once again."

Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive of Manchester City FC, added, "Everyone at the Club is delighted to welcome one of our much-loved ex-players - Sun Jihai - back in the City team to represent us as an ambassador in China.

"We believe that with Sun on board, we can build a stronger link between the Club and our fans in China and help us to work more closely with our China-based partners." Endi