Sun Jihai, the first Chinese player to score a goal in the English Premier League, is to be inducted Friday into Football's hall of fame at the National Football Museum in Manchester, a source from the museum told Xinhua on Monday.

Sun is scheduled to visit Manchester with Chinese President Xi Jinping to be present when the accolade is made as part of the Xi's state visit to Britain.

Sun joined Manchester City in 2002, the club's first Chinese footballer. He quickly became a favorite with City fans for his solid defense and dangerous attacking forays, voted the best player for the club in September 2002.

Just weeks later, in October 2002, Sun became the first Chinese footballer to score in the English Premier League when he headed home the first goal in a 2-0 win over Birmingham City. He made 130 appearances for Manchester City.

Last month Manchester City announced that Sun has been appointed as a Club Ambassador in China for the club where he scored four goals and helped to win the league title in 2002.

Officials in Manchester said the accolade for Sun Jihai has been arranged so President Xi can be present. The President will visit the City of Manchester Stadium during his visit Friday where he will watch a match between Manchester City Ladies and a team from China.

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