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On a visit to an academy run by Premier League football club
Manchester City during his state visit to the UK, Xi said that
sport was an important part of China-UK exchanges and that China
could learn from British football. Greater cooperation on sport
would promote closer ties between the two countries, he added.
City's Argentinian international striker Sergio Aguero posted on
social media a selfie of himself with Xi, an avid football fan,
and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
In his comments, Xi noted the sport's global appeal and the UK's
role as a football power.
Earlier in the week, football was also on the agenda when Xi met
with senior members of Britain's royal family in London. Xi and
Prince William also discussed Britain-China cooperation on
football.
Sport has formed a recurring theme in Xi's diplomacy. In
Ireland, he kicked a Gaelic football, while in the United States
he accepted a jersey from David Beckham.
The Chinese national team's poor performance in international
football has long been a sore point with the Chinese public. The
country is ranked 81st in the world, according to FIFA, the
global football governing body.
But Xi's affection for "the beautiful game" has moved it up the
list of national priorities, with plans to expose more children
to the sport.
(Reporting By Alexandra Harney; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
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