China

Chinese rookies train with Chelsea

(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2007-02-15 11:37

Chinese player Yuan Weiwei (R) receives encouragement from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during the training session on Feb 14, 2007. [sina.com]

The two players taks photo with an official with the Chinese Olympic football team. [sina.com]

Two players from the Chinese Olympic football team have been invited to train with the first-string squad of English Premiership powerhouse Chelsea.

Sina.com reports Yu Hai and Yuan Weiwei were the lucky player who temporarily wore No. 28 and 44 blue jerseys during Chelsea's training session on Valentine's Day.

As part of a cooperation scheme between the Blues and the Chinese Football Association, the Chinese Olympic team was accommodated at Chelsea's base and arranged to train there during the England training tour.

The arrangement allowed the Chinese lads to mingle with the club's big names such as Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack on and off the pitch.

The decision of the Chinese players' participation came after Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho suffered a shorthanded plight in the team's left wing due to a shortfall caused by injuries in ace left players, including Ashley Cole and Arjen Robben.