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.

Learning Chinese has never become a serious business for Elkeson who stayed in China for more than seven years.

"I am learning Chinese everyday. Give me a bit more time, I could use Chinese to answer your questions soon," Elkeson said.

"Jia you, zhongguo!(Come on, China!)" he said in Chinese, before waving his hands to the reporters and turned around to the grass.

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

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

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Brangelina ready for another kid

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Demi Moores man talks fashion in essay

★ 体坛英语资讯：China sweeps womens top three at Xiamen marathon

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan glams up for once

★ 体坛资讯：Bucks draft Yi Jianlian of China

★ 体坛英语资讯：Vultures circling over Federer

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

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Rome International Film Festival opens

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