Jiang Chen returns to China

CHINESE player Jiang Chen’s time on loan to Wellington Phoenix has come to an end, with the striker returning to Tianjin Teda for the Chinese Super League club’s pre-season build-up.

Chen joined the Phoenix on loan ahead of the Phoenix’s Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign following the Wellington club’s pre-season tour of the People’s Republic earlier this year.

Highly rated by Phoenix head coach Ricki Herbert, Chen was unfortunately shuffled down the striking order behind in-form British marksmen Paul Ifill and Chris Greenacre and local prodigy Costa Barbarouses, having only limited opportunities.

Chen played two games off the bench for the Phoenix for a total of 33 minutes of Hyundai A-League experience.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the young striker had been a valuable part of the Phoenix’s Hyundai A-League 2009/10 campaign.

“Jiang is a talented young player and he contributed a lot to the club both on and off the field. His work-ethic and commitment was exceptional and, as a club, we’re sad to see him go home.

“But Tianjin Teda have high hopes for Jiang, and based on what he’s shown here he’ll be a big success in the Chinese Super League.

“Ricki and the coaching staff have found Jiang a pleasure to work with and he made a lot of friends here in Wellington and won a lot of fans as a player and a person.”