Sun goes out at Sheffield United

July 7, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Veteran Chinese international defender Sun Jihai ended a seven year spell in English football on Monday as he left Championship side Sheffield United.

The 31-year-old – who played for Manchester City for seven years before joining Sheffield United last year – had admitted to being homesick and opted to return to China.

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield that Sun – who only started 11 matches for United – had missed his family

“Sun found it difficult to settle here. He was living with his mother and missed his family,” said Blackwell.

“He was a great professional and was a great example to the young players at the club. I wish him all the best.”

Sun – capped over 70 times – had initially come to England back in 1998 and stayed for a year with Crystal Palace before returning to China but then came back to England to join City in 2002.

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