Zhang Chengdong 张呈栋

Zhang Chengdong (Chinese: 张呈栋; pinyin: Zhang Chengdong; Mandarin pronunciation: [ʈʂaŋ.ʈʂʰə̌n tʊ̂ŋ]; born 9 February 1989) is a Chinese footballer who currently plays for Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League.

Club Career

Zhang Chengdong started his football career playing for Liaoning Whowin's youth academy until Serie A side A.C. Milan considered him a promising enough prospect to train with them in 2004. After his short period with the club, he returned to Liaoning and was promoted to the club's first team, making his debut for the club on 21 May 2006 in a 5–0 loss against Shandong Luneng. When the club was relegated in the 2008 season, Zhang's contract was up for renewal; and while he was considered as a long term star for the club, he could not agree upon a suitable contract which he believed was too low.

Without a club, he returned home to train before going to Portugal to advertise his services until third tier side Mafra took him on a free transfer on 23 September 2009. He was quickly integrated into the team; however, it was only once he scored his first hat-trick on 21 January 2010 in a 4–3 loss against Sporting CP in the 2009-10 Taca de Portugal did he become noticed in the club.

Zhang transferred to Primeira Liga side Uniao Leiria in July 2010. He made his debut for the club on 16 August 2010 in a 0–0 draw against Beira-Mar, becoming the first Chinese footballer to play in the Primeira Liga. After his loan spell at the club, he was loaned out again, this time to Beira-Mar. Zhang impressed during his stint at Beira-Mar, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. After the 2011–12 season, Beira-Mar and several top tier sides were reportedly interested in signing Zhang on a permanent transfer. Many top tier Chinese teams wished to sign him as well, but Zhang decided to ply his trade elsewhere. In August 2012, Zhang transferred to 2. Bundesliga side Eintracht Braunschweig. He made his debut for the club on 15 September 2012 in a 1–0 win against SSV Jahn Regensburg.

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This page also has a version in other languages :  Чжан Чжэндун (russian)