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Germany and China have agreed a football partnership, with a deal being signed in Berlin last week. Two clubs, Bayer Leverkusen and Cologne, also announced partnerships in China, one of the fastest growing markets in world football. The five-year partnership was struck during a visit by China's vice-premier Liu Yandong and "comprises a comprehensive agreement at government level" as well as agreements between the German FA (DFB), German Football League (DFL) and the Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Soccer Association," the DFL said on its official website. The DFL said "comprehensive measures are to be taken to support the growth of soccer in China," and Liu said his country was pushing ahead to develop football under president Xi Jinping. "The president has three goals. Firstly, to hold the World Cup; secondly, that China will one day win the World Cup; thirdly, the revival of football in China," she was quoted as saying by broadsheet FAZ. The Chinese Super League has become a rival to European clubs in the transfer market, attractive for selling clubs due to the transfer fees and players because of the salaries paid. Investors from China have also taken over several European clubs. Meanwhile, Cologne and Chinese Super League side Liaoning FC have reached "an agreement for football cooperation," the German club said. The agreement includes a friendly in Shenyang, Liaoning FC's home city, in the summer. "We are happy to become the first Bundesliga club to sign a partnership agreement with a Chinese football club," Cologne managing director Alexander Wehrle said. Bayer Leverkusen also announced a partnership agreement with China that will focus on the "development and support of football in Inner Mongolia," the club announced.
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