GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 2 -- For 30-year-old Brazil-born striker Elkeson, the first Monday of September was his first day in the Chinese national soccer team.

"It is a very special day today, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning because I am feeling anxious," Elkeson said, surrounded by a group of reporters from across the country, most of which cover the national team for years.

The reporters knew it was a special day for Chinese soccer too. Many fans, especially players, had expected Elkeson's arrival could boost China's attacking line.

"My teammates were very happy to meet me in the national team, there is a very friendly atmosphere there," Elkeson said.

Two weeks ago, Elkeson was named in Marcello Lippi's squad, becoming the first footballer in the national team without Chinese ancestry.

Lippi called up the players to reunion in Guangzhou on Monday to prepare for the upcoming Qatar World Cup qualifiers. China will play a visiting match at Maldives next Tuesday.

Elkeson will be the Italian's first choice at center forward position.

The 30-year-old has played in the Chinese Super League since 2013, so he is eligible to play for China after meeting FIFA's five-year residency requirement. He was eager to help his adopted country to score goals and wining matches.

"I knew the Chinese fans put how much hope on me, and I will repay them with my goals," Elkeson said.

"My target is to score more goals for China and help the team to win. We will play our first match in the qualifiers next week, hopefully we can have a good start," he added.

【体坛英语资讯：Feature: Brazil-born Elkesons first day in Chinese national soccer team】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Powell lowers world 100m record to 9.74 sec

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Angelina Jolie in French hospital to give birth

★ 体坛资讯：Late starters face uphill task in China

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Hollywood film, TV actors unions part before contract talks

★ 体坛英语资讯：Doctor: Yao Ming recovers well after foot surgery

★ 体坛英语资讯：Seattle guard Durant named Rookie of the Year

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jessica Simpson hawks her line of handbags and shoes

★ 体坛英语资讯：Xinjiang stripped of CBA playoff spot

★ 体坛英语资讯：Diving queen Guo shines at 2008 National Diving Championships

★ 体坛英语资讯：Torres and Gerrard hand Liverpool win over Shanghai