Perry knew both China and football well. As the managing director of the London Export Corporation, an Anglo-Chinese trading group, Perry was a die-hard Arsenal fan. But it was Perry who brought West Bromwich Albion to China in 1978 to play five matches against the Chinese national team and a number of provincial teams. WBA became the first top league club from western European football to play in China.

I wanted to know how China could have a powerful league and a national team capable of earning a place on the world stage. Perry would be the man with the answers.

"Wrong target," he said. "The target is to have a major Chinese presence in global football with a plan to ensure that is reflected with a significant presence in China."

His quick-fire response astonished me. I could not follow what he really meant. I asked what China should learn from the English Premier League and the top leagues of Italy, Spain, Germany and France, regarded as the top five leagues on the planet.

"Again wrong logic," he answered. "Look at the numbers of Chinese who watch and show an interest in football. I don't know the number but it is much greater than in Britain and most of Europe put together. But their money and interest goes to existing structures, and is not channeled to change."

I felt even more puzzled. Almost every top English club, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, boast that their biggest fan bases are in China, something which makes Chinese fans feel so proud. Perry though, apparently thought it was one of the reasons that made Chinese football sick.

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