The statement released by Tianjin Teda to a local newspaper shows how the Chen Tao-gate light up the world of Chinese football. “Chen Tao is not up for sale and there are currently no negotiations regarding the player”. On the same article about him, the newspaper named several Chinese clubs which have been following the gifted attacking midfielder, who has in recent hours been linked also to Serie A side Novara and their manager Attilio Tesser.

Speaking exclusively to CM.com, lawyer Oberto Petricca, who is the only agent representing the player, tried to explain what is going on: “I understand the stand took by Tianjin Teda’s directors and fully agree with it. Their reaction was caused by the disappointment in finding out transfer news about their most important player at the moment”.

“Clearly some European clubs made the wrong approach for the negotiations as they failed, in the first place, to reach an agreement with the club, which has the right to dictate conditions. Furthermore, being Chen Tao’s one and only agent, I can assure you that I received no offer or enquire for my client,” added Petricca.

“I hope that Tianjin Teda will be able to end the current season at the best of their possibilities and can confirm my wish to collaborate with the Chinese directors in order to find the best solution in the interest of the player and the club,” he concluded.

Tao Chen