Yakubu Aiyegbeni has agreed a switch to Chinese outfit Guangzhou Fuli, bringing to an end his time with Blackburn Rovers.
Nigerian striker agrees Guangzhou switch
Yakubu Aiyegbeni has agreed a switch to Chinese outfit Guangzhou Fuli, bringing to an end his time with Blackburn Rovers.
The 29-year-old striker becomes the latest high-profile figure to head for the Far East, following Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka's arrival at Shanghai Shenhua.
Yakubu is looking forward to experiencing a different culture and footballing way of life after nine years in England with Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, Leicester City (loan) and Blackburn.
"There were many clubs interested according to the media, but the only people who made direct contact have been Guangzhou R&F," he said.
"Many will ask why China? The truth is there is not much to prove after scoring almost a century of goals in the (Premier) league - considered as one of the best in the world.
Support
"I thank Blackburn Rovers, the fans, fellow players for making my one season there seem like a decade.
"I appreciate their support and I hope the club will come back again into the top-flight as soon as possible."
Yakubu had been looking to leave Blackburn following their relegation out of the Premier League last season and insists money played no part in his decision to head for China.
"Money cannot buy you happiness and what I have found from the people in China is love, happiness, sincerity and warmth and I can't wait to get started here," he said.
"They are starting an unbelievable football programme here and it's nice to be a part of it."
