Vancouver Whitecaps striker Long Tan is looking to do everything he can to help Chinese football in the USA and Canada.

The 23-year old Dalian product became a part of the Whitecaps' MLS squad last season to become the first Chinese-born player to play in the North American domestic league.

Tan admits he had thoughts of quitting the game last summer after he was demoted to the Whitecaps residency team but now he is back in favor, is hoping to prove himself in the ever-improving competition.

"I was very unhappy and I even considered quitting at one point," Tan said via a translator in an interview with the Vancouver Sun.

"But I thought it would be such a waste to let it go so I stuck with it.

"I want to appeal to Chinese soccer fans here and perform well in front of them."

He added: "In the end, soccer is still just a game and when I play, I don't feel the pressure. I don't have to worry about supporting my family financially or any of that kind of stuff so it's actually a very liberating experience when I play. The game itself is fun."

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