By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-15 07:07

From Sungang Road to Downing Street, it has been a remarkable journey for Zheng Zhi.

Chinese international footballer Zheng Zhi (Front) celebrates a goal for Charlton during the Coca-Cola Championship match against Blackpool January 12, 2008. [sina]

He started his football career with a now-defunct Liaoning club, and moved to Sungang Road in Shenzhen where he caught national attention by leading the little-fancied team to the league championship.

He was then snapped up by Shandong Luneng before being sent to the English Premier League side Charlton Athletic on loan for the 2006/07 season.

He couldn't help Charlton avoid relegation but the team was so impressed they signed him in a $4 million deal.

In the English Championship this season, he has been in red-hot form, topscoring for the team and raising the prospect of being promoted to the top league again.

Zheng, the most recognizable Chinese face in English football, was yesterday scheduled to join British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for tea along with about 20 prominent overseas Chinese.

Brown is tipped to soon visit China in what would be his first trip as prime minister.

It is not known what would have been discussed at 10, Downing Street, the British prime minister's official residence, but Zheng has been so much the talk at Charlton that his manager wants him to slow down to avoid being a "target" for other sides.

"With the transfer window open, I almost wish Zheng would stop scoring so many," manager Alan Pardew said after his brilliant brace inspired Charlton to squash Blackpool 4-1 on Saturday.

"ZiZi (Zheng's nickname given by the media) took some time last year to settle down. Now, he feels comfortable at the club and one of the reasons he came here was he liked the atmosphere."

Zheng's double took his tally to nine for the season. He was also the first Chinese player to score in the FA Cup last weekend, and the highest Chinese goalscorer in English football.

The impressive performances throughout the season have attracted the attention of other teams.

Zheng is not fluent in English but the playmaker believes he is doing his most productive talking with his feet.

"I was informed of the prime minister's invitation by club officials after Thursday's training," said Zheng.

"It's a great honor. It's not only individual glory but also glory for the Chinese soccer players I represent here.

"The best way to be recognized is to score goals and win points for the team. I believe I can play even better soccer and I want to prove the Chinese also have the ability to play the best soccer in the world's top leagues."

Zheng, 27, knows the best way to show that is to stay on and lead the team back to the Premier League.

"I have never thought about leaving the team after I came here," said Zheng.

"I know everything here very well. The coaches and teammates are very friendly and we have very good teamwork.

"So I will not leave and will play at my best."

With the Chinese national and Olympic soccer teams suffering embarrassing losses over the weekend, Zheng's performances are, to some extent, saving the blushes of struggling teammates.

China's national team was defeated by Hamburg SV 4-0 in a friendly match in Dubai while the under-23 side was toppled by another German giant, Bayern Munich, 7-2 in Munich the same day.

Zheng has a role to play in inspiring the Chinese sides. He is set to captain the national team for the 2010 World Cup Asian Zone qualifier next month and is also assured of a pivotal role as an over-aged player for the Olympic team.

"I hope I am able to maintain my good form as long as possible. Especially for the match against Iraq (China's opening qualifier match), I hope I score and get the team off to a winning start."