Chinese veteran striker Hao Haidong has signed a four-year contract with English First Division side Sheffield United. 

The 34-year-old, who has been a backbone of the national squad, was bought by the English side for a symbolic transfer fee of one pound.

The striker is expected to leave for England next January.

He revealed that he would take the opportunity to learn from his peers in England and hoped to take on the mantle of football coach four years later.

(CRI December 21, 2004)