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(Sports Focus) Seedorf joins Chinese club Shenzhen Kaisa (updated with quotes)

Xinhua, July 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Dutchman Clarence Seedorf was appointed head coach of Shenzhen Kaisa, the Chinese second division club announced on Thursday.

"It is a new city, and new country for me and my staff. I am happy to get full support of the club, I believe things will go really well here," the 40-year-old told Xinhua after his first training session in China.

"My motivation is to add value to the league and Chinese football.

"Me and my staff have a lot experience to share with the team and the club and Chinese football," he added.

Seedorf, 40, is considered as one of the most successful Dutch players. The former AC Milan midfielder won the European Champions League with three different clubs.

After hanging up his boots, Seedorf started his coaching career in AC Milan in January 2014. He was dismissed four months later when the Rossoneri finished eighth in Serie A, with 11 wins from 19 league matches in his charge.

"You know it is always the challenge, for those who start and for those who have experience.

"We have seen many experienced coaches are not doing very.

"So every year is a new year, every team is different, every league is different, that is why coaching is a beautiful thing.

"I got good result for my last coaching experience and I am confident here," Seedorf said when he was asked about his coaching experience.

Led by local coach Tang Yaodong, Shenzhen Kaisa is currently eighth in China's second division league. But with only six points behind second-placed Guizhou and there are still 14 games to play, the club are not giving up their efforts to be promoted to the top flight.

Seedorf will face enormous pressure to catch up with the top teams and regain the hope of being promoted.

"My whole career have pressure to win, it is part of me. I am very ambitious, I want to get the best result, and the best of myself," he said.

"I need time to know the team, to know the competition, but we are confident, that with the support of the club the process will be short." He added.

Recently, coaches who have experiences in the Italian league have been very popular in China. On Tuesday, former Juventus manager Ciro Ferrara was appointed as the head coach by Chinese second division team Wuhan Zall. Another Italian, Fabio Cannavaro, has been in charge of Tianjin Quanjian in the same league since this June. Endit