President Xi's visit to the football grounds of Manchester City has many people asking why Xi visited Manchester City and not those of his supposedly favourite team, Manchester United. The answer could be to inspire young footballers in China.

Manchester United may have a long history of victories in the Premiership, as well as being one of the richest sporting brands in the world with a value of over US$2 billion, and it has been home to some of the most famous names in the sport including David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo but it is Manchester City's former defender Sun Jihai who seems to have attracted the attention of those who organised Xi's itinerary of the state visit.

Sun was the first ever Asian to sign to Manchester City in 2002, and remains one of the few Chinese who play in the Premiership. Taken on for his solid defence, Sun played 130 games for Manchester City and scored three goals during his six years with the team. His appearances on pitch far outstrip the number of appearances by the few other countrymen who have also played in the premiership.

Xi's visit to Manchester City over Manchester United has worked in the favour of Chinese football and of Sun Jihai, as he today, on October 23, 2015, entered in to the UK National Football Hall of Fame alongside the most famous and noted of world class footballers.

Spokesmen for The National Football Hall of Fame have said that Sun is being recognised for his 'ambassadorial role in enhancing the profile and popularity of English football to a Chinese audience. '

Xi's visit to the grounds and the accolade awarded to the former Man City defender will work as a catalyst for the aspirations of young footballers in China, who with this publicity and recognition of Chinese talent will now be spurred on to become world class competitors in the world of football.

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