Rio de Janeiro, Jan 25 (IANS): Multi-talented Botafogo player Tang Shi may become the first Chinese to play for Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid, albeit for the reserve team.
The 20-year-old, who had trained with Real Madrid Castilla for nine days in early January, is waiting for a call from Real Madrid's reserve team coached by French star Zinedine Zidane, reports Xinhua.
Tang, a fast and dominating left winger who is also able to handle the right wing, signed with Brazilian club Botafogo last May.
He had impressive performances at last year's Asian U-19 Championship as he helped China enter the top eight.
Real Madrid and Botafogo have a partnership in youth training, which gave Tang an opportunity to be tested with Real Madrid Castilla from Jan 9 to 17.
Coach Zidane will report to the club that will decide whether to bring in Tang.
"I think I have a solid performance during the test training," said Tang Saturday.
"I will know Real Madrid's decision soon, probably by the end of this month. If I can go to Europe and Real Madrid to play, that will be perfect."
Real Madrid Castilla, who play in Spain's third division, is Real Madrid's reserve team, and is therefore an integral part of Real Madrid's youth academy.