Soccer-mad Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more exchanges and cooperation between China and UK on sports, majorly on soccer, during his visit to City Football Academy on Friday, according to China’s leading news agency Xinhua.

Accompanied by British PM David Cameron, Mr Xi visited the City Football Academy of EPL giant Manchester City FC and presented at the former Manchester City player Sun Jihai ‘s inclusion into English National Football Museum’s fall of fame.

Having addressed his personal wishes for China to promote into the FIFA World Cup and to host or even win the competition, President Xi sees the opportunity for China to make alliance with UK on soccer-oriented exchanges and partnership.

"Sports exchange is an important part of people-to-people exchanges. I hope the two sides could strengthen their cooperation in sports, including football, to improve people's health and China-Britain friendship," said the Mr Xi.

Source: Xinhua