ZZ leaves Charlton in search of Premier start

Chinese international midfielder Zheng Zhi has left the relegated English Championship team Charlton Athletic after declining a new contract.

The national team captain's contract expired at the end of June, when the Addicks were eager to talk with the star in a bid to keep him.

However, the midfielder - the first Chinese player to represent the Addicks and affectionately known in England as ZiZi - chose to leave after the club was relegated to third division at the end of last season.