Chinese conglomerate links with Jorge Mendes

Chinese soccer aficionados will have more opportunities to see world-famous soccer players in the near future as Foyo Culture and Entertainment Co Ltd－a subsidiary of investment conglomerate Fosun International Ltd－has joined hands with Gestifute, the Portuguese football agency founded by Jorge Mendes.

Under the strategic partnership deal agreed on Monday, the two companies will roll out services including agent services for soccer players, the operation of games and agent services for soccer players' image rights. Soccer players will take part in a number of gatherings with their Chinese fans and also participate in a number of philanthropic activities.

Meanwhile, leading overseas players are likely to be introduced to China and vice versa. Soccer training organizations will be jointly established by Foyo and Gestifute in the hope of sending promising Chinese players to overseas clubs.

Founded in 1996, Gestifute has become one of the best known agencies for soccer players in Europe. They have a number of high-profile players on their books like Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and David de Gea. Its founder, 50 year old Jorge Mendes, has won the Agent of the Year honour at the Globe Soccer Awards for six consecutive years since 2010.

Source: Chinadaily

Proofread by John Devlin.