 Dong has been on loan at Antwerp |
Manchester United have confirmed Chinese import Dong Fangzhuo will join their Asian summer tour in July. The 20-year-old midfielder has spent the season on loan with United's Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp after signing from Dalian Shide.
Dong does not have work permit to play in the Premiership but will be on the trip to Hong Kong, China and Japan.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be able to put on the famous red shirt in my home country," he told www.manutd.com.
He added: ""It will be a proud moment to play in China as a Manchester United player."
United director of marketing Peter Draper insists Dong's presence is not just a commercial ploy.
He said: "Dong has been progressing step-by-step since his arrival at Royal Antwerp.
"He deserves the tour and we believe he will perform well. A lot of Chinese fans have heard of Dong and know exactly what he is capable of. His inclusion on the team will definitely add to the excitement for Chinese fans."
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews