Tong Zhou signs for Auckland City FC

Words: ACFC Media

Wednesday 1 March 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC is pleased to welcome attacker Tong Zhou to Kiwitea Street.

Zhou is a former professional player with Tianjin Jinmen Tiger but has relocated to Auckland with his wife who is doing a Masters degree at a local college.

The 33-year-old believes that with his playing career winding down that supporting his wife in her pursuit of academic achievement made sense.

"During my career my family has always given me the greatest support, especially my wife so coming to New Zealand helps support her goals.

"I want to give my wife the best support I can and now I can continue to play football for a team that aspires to high standards.

"For me, New Zealand is the perfect lifestyle with new projects to work on and of course I say thanks again to everyone who has helped and supported me get this far," Zhou said.

| NEW SIGNING

Auckland City FC is pleased to welcome Tong Zhou to Kiwitea Street for 2023

#StrengthInUnity

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— Auckland City FC (@AucklandCity_FC) March 1, 2023

Auckland City FC assistant coach Ivan Vicelich played in China with Shenzhen Ruby over a decade ago and knows how tough the Chinese Super League can be and what attributes Zhou brings to Kiwitea Street.

"We've had many people turn up at Kiwitea Street over the years who were exploring interesting life opportunities and could also play a bit of football.

"I'm thinking of Ki-Hyung Lee and even Albert Riera, guys who had played the game but were curious about what Auckland City FC was about, what New Zealand was about as a country.

"Tong fits right into the same category - he's got a great personality, speaks very good English and he's played at the highest level but now he's all about supporting his wife through her degree.

"The timing for everyone is excellent and we're very happy to receive Tong into our squad and look forward to the season ahead," Vicelich said.

Tong's ultimate dream is to one day play at the FIFA Club World Cup and hopes he can realise that objective with City.

Tong shared Vicelich's optimism about the year ahead as he plans life in a new country for his young family.

"Auckland City FC has a great history and many achievements, the club took me to visit the clubrooms and explained to me every detail of the club and what it means to play here and what it stands for.

"My first impression was: "This is amazing!". This is a team that has won a lot of competitions and also represented Oceania at the Club World Cup the most times.

"Auckland City FC is a team with a strong tactical literacy, so it will be a positive challenge for me personally to join Auckland City FC and create a meaningful football experience.

"Auckland City FC is not as big as some clubs in China, the facilities are not as luxurious, there are not so many support people, but as I see it, the sparrow may be small but it has all the important internal organs to make it strong and competitive.

"There is a unique "family" atmosphere around Kiwitea Street and I get a very personal feel for the club's sincerity, standards and love for the game of football," he said.

Auckland City FC is next in action when they travel to the capital to take on Wellington Olympic in the OFC Champions League National Playoff 1st Leg on Saturday 11 March 2023.

Ends

Player Profile
Name: Tong Zhou
Birthplace: Zibo, Shandong, China
Age: 33
Position: Defender/Attacker
Former clubs: Shijiazhuang Tiangong, Dalian Aerbin, Tianjin Teda, Wuhan Zall, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.