China captain Zheng Zhi has seen his patience and determination finally pay off as Scottish Premier League giants Celtic reached a deal for the versatile midfielder on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old became a free agent after his contract at English club Charlton expired in the summer but he and his agent were determined to stay in Europe and find a high-level club in a top-flight league.
"Celtic are a great club and have a great coach," said Zheng. "I'm excited to go there and am looking forward to playing for the team."
Zheng's name had been linked to a number of English Premier League clubs over the past three months. However, there was a strong likelihood he would have returned home to play in the domestic league before the Celtic offer arrived.
The Addicks, who were relegated to League One last season, were eager to keep him but Zheng, the first Chinese player to represent Charlton and affectionately known in England as ZiZi, chose to leave.
Zheng should complete the formalities of a two-year deal with Celtic this week and will become manager Tony Mowbray's final signing of the year.
Mowbray, who tried to sign Zheng while he was at West Brom last summer, said: "Zheng Zhi is a player I have tracked for some time.
"He is a highly-regarded player and was a thorn in our side when he played against us at West Bromwich Albion.
"I am delighted that he may join us. He will significantly add to the squad with his quality and the fact that he can play in a number of positions.
"We now need to tie up loose ends and obtain a work permit, which we hope to do before our next game."
Zheng was thankful for Mowbray's interest and efforts.
"I know he wanted me to join him a year ago. I'm glad we are now together in a great club.
"I admire him. I hope I can play at my best for him."
Zheng joined then Premier League club Charlton in December 2006 from Shenzhen.
After playing 12 games on loan for Charlton in the Premier League in 2006/07, the Addicks beat off several top-flight outfits and convinced the two-time China Player of the Year to stay, despite the club's relegation from the top flight.
Zheng signed a long-term deal at The Valley two days before the start of the 2007/08 season, with Charlton paying his former Chinese club, Shandong Luneng, an initial 1.25 million pounds ($2 million).
After representing his country at the 2008 Olympic Games in his homeland, Zheng returned to Charlton with a groin problem.
In total, he played 70 times for the club and scored 11 goals.
(China Daily September 3, 2009)
