Name: Fan Zhiyi
Nationality: Chinese
Date of birth: 6 November 1969
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 75kg
Clubs: Shanghai Shenhua, Crystal Palace, Dundee
Achievements:
Former national team captain;
He was one of the first Chinese professional footballers to move to Europe in 1998 when he left Shanghai Shenhua for English second division club Crystal Palace for a transfer fee of ￡1 million.
Fan Zhiyi also established himself on the European football scene, developing into one of Crystal Palace's most important players, and winning the respect of his team mates and coach Alan Smith.
Fan Zhiyi mainly plays in defence, though his speed make him a powerful force in midfield too. He was named Player of the Month three times while at Crystal Palace.
In October 2001, Fan headed north to Scottish Premier League club Dundee.
China has qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals for the very first time, and one of their stars is 32-year-old veteran Fan Zhiyi.
Although his playing days are far from over, Fan Zhiyi already knows what he wants to do when he retires. "When I finish my playing career I shall return to China and become a coach," Fan said in a recent interview.
Editor: May; Guan CCTV.COM
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