China

Li Weifeng back to CSL from K-League

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-19 16:23

BEIJING - Former skipper of China's national team Li Weifeng has put an end to his overseas career with South Korea's Suwon Samsung Bluewings and come back home to Tianjin, joining Taida club.

The 33-year-old's agent Yu Guoqiong confirmed it on Wednesday and that the defender had flown to Cyprus from Beijing to join the Chinese Super League club's training camp.

"Li is expected to play his first comeback game for Tianjin Taida on February 3, China's Spring Festival, at a commercial tourney in Hong Kong," Yu said. "He's fit and upbeat."

No financial details or contract terms were released, but according to Suwon's official website, Li, who joined the K-league club in 2009 and twice won FA Cup with the Pan-Pacific champions, transferred as a free agent.

"He is an excellent player. Suwon was so proud to have him," read the website. "We thank Li for his professional service and attitude in matches and training. We will miss him. Wish him the best."

Suwon's contract with Li would expire this year, but the club decided to wave him goodbye to make room for younger local players.

Li, however, told press that there's no hard feelings between them, despite "a little pity", and that he's very glad to back home in Tianjin, where he began his soccer career.

"I sincerely think that to play with Tianjin is my destiny. It just feels so right," said Li, who was also chased by former CSL champions Dalian Shida and his former owner Shenzhen Hongzuan.

It is reckoned a friendly move, too, by Li, who had an eight-match ban by the Chinese Football Association in 2008 to be served out, showing the CFA that he's willing to rejoin the national team.