Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has denied he signed Zheng Zhi with a view to marketing the Parkhead club in the Far East.
The China captain was unveiled at Celtic Park on Friday morning after signing a one-year deal with a one-year option.
"It was a totally footballing decision," Mowbray said. "We were looking for a midfield player, basically. We lost Paul Hartley and Shunsuke Nakamura and we needed some footballers in that area of the pitch."
He added: "I'm trying to add quality to that area so it was a totally football decision.
"I tried to sign him for West Brom so he has an understanding that I respect him as a player.
"His versatility is one of the main reasons he is here. He played against my West Brom team for Charlton and he was the most effective playing behind a striker or as a holding midfielder, or as a wide player.
"He's just a good footballer and I've said from day one that I like good footballers."
The 29-year-old midfielder, who left English League One side Charlton when his contract expired in June, said through an interpreter: "It is a huge football club and I am delighted to be here and I am looking forward to working with my coach.
"I can play a few positions but it is up to my coach."
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go on the mighty dons
paul its a signing!your opinion is not valued on this page,the @#$% you talk?you that thinks mendez is th best player in scotland.. that says it all you f uk n pie
Let's not forget football is a business. If in signing for Celtic we make a mint out of selling shirts in China (which will happen), then it's a great deal. He'll score goals in Scotland...no doubt.
He's cra p wait untill u c him hahahahahahahahaha
G-string, have you ever seen him play? I haven't, but I trust the judgement of Tony Mowbray. As for you, you are just a fud!
LOL Aye right. The guy is rotten. Ceptic trying to break a market that detest football. They only like horse racing. LOL shame that. Stupid @#$% s
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