China's rising soccer star Zhang Xizhe of the Beijing Guoan has signed a two-and-a-half year contract to join Wolfsburg of Germany's Bundesliga.

"I am very happy that I can play in such an excellent club of the Bundesliga," Zhang said in serviceable German at the press conference. "And I am ready to do my best." 

Like Us on Facebook

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder, and winner of China's 2012 Young Player award, is the first player from China to play for Wolfsburg, and only the 10th Chinese player to join a German Bundesliga team.

Zhang was officially introduced at a press conference in Wolfsburg, where he was joined by club manager Klaus Allofs and coach Dieter Hecking. 

In recognition of the signing, Wolfsburg launched its official website homepage in Chinese on Monday. Additionally, the Wolfsburg press conference was broadcasted live in China for the first time.

Zhang scored 24 goals in 121 appearances for Chinese Super League powerhouse Beijing Guoan. He told reporters at the press conference that he will travel with his new team to South Africa next month to train.

In addition to training for soccer, Zhang said he is trying to improve his German and hopes that helps him get on the pitch and play for his new team as soon as possible. Wolfsburg is currently in second place in the Bundesliga, but it's a distant second as the team is 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich with one game in hand.

"Zhang is a young player who has already showed his potential in order to make the step into the Bundesliga," said Allofs. "We will gradually build him up and give him the time he needs."

TagsZhang Xizhe Signs with Wolfsburg of Germany's Bundesliga, Zhang Xizhe, attacking midfielder, Klaus Allofs, Dieter Hecking, Wolfsburg, Bundesliga