Zhang Chengdong happy at late Rayo debut

It has been a difficult start to the season for Chinese international defender Zhang Chengdong since signing for Spanish BBVA Primera Liga side, Rayo Vallecano, in the summer.

Although a hero in his homeland Zhang had not made his debut in 13 games in the BBVA Primera Liga, but as finally given his chance by Rayo coach Paco Jemez in their Copa del Rey win 2-0 over local rivals Getafe on Wednesday.

Speaking in Spanish sports paper, Diario AS, Zhang expressed his satisfaction at finally playing in Spain and said he hoped for more playing time in the future.

"I am the first Chinese player to play here in the Primera Liga and it was a historic moment and one I will not forget in my life. When I stepped onto the pitch, it felt marvelous," he said, adding he had played at left back rather than in his more usual midfield role.

"We organized ourselves very well in defense and I saw it was a great opportunity for me. Afterwards my teammates congratulated me on my performance," he commented.

Zhang says he feels responsibility to show that Chinese footballers can perform at the highest level, but believes he can do better than his appearance on Wednesday.

"Spanish football has a lot of quality and the most important thing is to gain confidence. I know that when I improve, I will get more chances," he said, adding that the mentality in the Spanish game was different to China.

Zhang said he was enjoying life in the Spanish capital of Madrid, "there are a lot of places you can go to explore and bit by bit I am learning the language. Madrid is a big city like Beijing and there are a lot of places to go and things to buy," he concluded. Endi