The China captain told the Daily Mail: "I'm here now, mainly because of Alan Pardew. I have learned many new things from him. He's an excellent coach and an innovative, creative manager."

Such is his standing in the Chinese community, Zheng was recently invited to Downing Street for an audience with the Prime Minister.

He said: "I was honoured and proud of this. They wanted 10 special Chinese from business, industry and sport and Gordon Brown wanted to know about the progress of the Beijing Olympics."

We are told Zheng is the Chinese David Beckham but he blushes at such a suggestion.

"No way! I am not a superstar. Only football people in China know who I am.

"Remember, football there is in its infancy. We don't have the history and tradition of England. The infrastructure is still being built, big companies are now realising it is worthy of investment and young people are being attracted."

He says he can "understand English but not speak it so well" and explains through an interpreter that he expects Charlton will win promotion with a team rebuilt by Pardew following relegation.

"It is a very good club and my team-mates have made me feel very welcome," he says.

"I'm in England because this is the best place in the world for football."