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 A-League campaign following the Wellington club's pre-season tour of China 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 A-League experience.
Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata said the young striker had been a valuable part of the club's A-League 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," he said.
"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."
Related Articles

Victory shake-up: Talay in line to replace Popovic at ailing A-League giants

Is New Zealand ready for its own A-League derby?
