Sun: I can still shine among Europe's stars
Chinese international left back Sun Xiang is ready to dazzle at the upcoming Asian Championships in a bid to encourage PSV Eindhoven to sign him permanently.
The 25-year-old moved to the Dutch champions in January on loan for the second half of the season, but the club announced on Tuesday that it will not exercise a three-year option that was part of the deal.
Despite the setback, Sun has not given up hope of keeping his European career alive.
"I've learned a lot at the club and also hope to stay in order to further develop my game," he was quoted as saying by Titan Sports.
"My agent told me the club has dropped the option to sign me but it does not mean the end of the loan contract."
Sun's agent told Titan Sports that May 15th was the deadline for exercising the option, but added that as the loan deal does not end until the end of June, there is still time for further negotiations.
The left back went into his PSV career hoping to follow in the footsteps of South Koreans Lee Young-Pyo and Park Ji-Sung, whose impressive performances earned them big moves to the English Premier League. PSV's decision to let him go suggests initial concerns that he lacked the pace and strength to stand out in Europe were well-founded.
Even if his time in Holland proves short, Sun will look back on winning the league and becoming the first Chinese to compete in the Champions League with pride.
"I am still glad to have a chance to compete in one of the world's top leagues. And I also believe I have proven myself there," he said.
PSV clinched the league dramatically with a 5-1 rout of Vitesse Arnhem that saw them pip rivals Ajax by just one goal. Earlier in the season they had a comfortable 11-point lead, but this crumbled as the team struggled with injuries to key players.
Sun's fondest memories will be of his Champions League appearances. His landmark debut came in a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the second round, although the team was to suffer elimination in the next round to finalists Liverpool.
"I have experienced what I could only previously watch on TV," said Sun.
"The process is more important than the result. I do not think it is a big blow to my career."
Now his attention is focused on helping China achieve a respectable performance at this summer's Asian Championships. The team made the final at the 2004 edition in China, where they lost to rivals Japan in Beijing, but since then the team has slumped.
"Right now, I will spend time with my family, try to get fully fit and back into national team as soon as possible."
(China Daily 05/17/2007 page22)
