He played 70 times for Charlton in total scoring 11 goals; 9 in Charlton's first season in the Championship and finished as runner up to Matt Holland in the Player of the Year poll.
Of Zheng's departure, Phil Parkiinson said on the official website "We have spoken to ZiZi's advisors about a new deal, but they've made clear that he's not keen on playing in the third flight. ...He wants to play at the highest possible level and it's clear they are pursuing other options. Given the situation, I'd like to thank ZiZi for his efforts for the club."
The team's performances and results improved slightly after Zheng returned to the midfield from injury, but by the time of his re-appearance in the narrow 3-2 Home defeat against Watford in March 2009, it was too late to save the club from relegation to League 1.
Meanwhile Charlton made former Leeds Captain Frazer Richardson their 2nd summer signing and he joins the Addicks on a 2 year contract. The 26 year old right back follows in the footsteps of Central Defender Miguel Llera from earlier this month.
Richardson , from Rotherham, was formerly Leeds' longest serving player making 171 appearances for the club and played 23 times in League 1 last season. As Parkinson moves to bolster the right back position, of this signing he stated:
"I'm delighted to get Frazer on board. He's exactly the type of character we're looking for. He's a good player and he's got lots of experience in this division and higher. He's been at Leeds a long time and perhaps now's the time for him to have a fresh challenge. He will be a great addition for us and we look forward to working with him."
Richardson will go straight into the team for the two pre-season friendlies in Ireland against Wexford Youths and Bray Wanderers.