Everton Star To Quit 3 Lions For China As Gramps Chinese

Story ByBuli LiangSub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyGolders

Former Everton and England under-21 defender Tyias Browning is set to become the second-ever naturalised China international after it was confirmed his grandfather was Chinese.

The 25-year-old defender currently plays for Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, and local media report his grandad has been confirmed to be Chiang Ying Wing, who was born in 1935 in Meige Village, in China’s Guangdong Province and his death certificate shows he died in Macclesfield District General Hospital in September 1992. 

The confirmation comes two months after Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao began investigating Browning’s grandfather to see if he could become a naturalised Chinese player and staff from the club reportedly visited his mother and uncle to find out more about their heritage.

Pictures Credit: Golders

His mother reportedly remembered that her father was from China while his uncle had visited the village of Meige once.

The news spread quickly and Meige Village Communist Party Branch Secretary Chen Zhenhong, also a fan of Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, reportedly heard the news and asked local people to find Chiang Yingwing in Meige Village.

Many local OAPs recall Chiang Yingwing when they heard this name but said he had left the village.

Local resident Chiang Shouguang told reporters: “He was six or seven years older than me. And he was a good basketball player, very strong although he was not tall. I remember Browning’s uncle when he was back in this village. His face is just the same as Chiang Yingwing!”

Browning’s grandfather’s first marriage was in China, where Browning’s uncle was born. His uncle later travelled to England with Browning’s grandfather, who became a chef and married again in England, with Browning’s mother being born in England.

Local media report Browning’s grandfather had a third in marriage in Hong Kong but made sure all his children grew up in England. Browning was born in Liverpool and represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level.

The defender would become the second naturalised Chinese international player after former Arsenal midfielder Nico Yannaris.

Guangzhou’s coach, Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro told reporters: “Browning is Chinese and is undergoing naturalisation procedures, I don’t consider him a foreigner.”

The 25-year-old joined Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao in February 2019 from boyhood club Everton, where he made nine appearances. He was loaned out to Wigan Athletic, Preston North End and Sunderland during his time at Goodison Park.

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