Chinese international captain Zheng Zhi admitted on Wednesday that unless Charlton Athletic retain their Premiership status he could not carry on playing for them.

 

 

The 26-year-old defender is presently on loan with the Premiership strugglers - with an option to buy him - but will return to his Chinese club Shandong Luneng at the end of the season and then hold talks about a permanent move.

 

However, Zheng, who scored on his debut for Charlton after arriving in December, admitted everything hinged on the club staying up.

 

"I will do my utmost to help Charlton avoid relegation," said the 10-times capped Zheng.

 

Charlton are presently in the last relegation spot third from bottom, one point adrift of Sheffield United.

 

Zheng, the China captain, will feature for Shandong in the regional A3 Championship in June.

 

"At that time Shandong and Charlton will have a new round of discussions about my future contract," Zheng said.

 

(China Daily via Agencies April 5, 2007)