Ezequiel Lavezzi has claimed that he turned down interest from Chelsea and Manchester United to move to the Chinese league.
The former Paris St. Germain forward joined Hebei China Fortune last month on wages reported to be worth £11.65million per season, a figure that would rank him among the world’s most highly-paid players.
Lavezzi’s advisor Alessandro Moggi had said in January that his client was in talks with Chelsea, however the 30-year-old’s age profile and high wages are believed to have put the English side off making a move.
Argentina international Lavezzi follows the likes of Ramires, Alex Teixeira and Jackson Martinez to the Chinese league and he professed himself eager to experience a new culture in a fast growing league.
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“I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United,” Lavezzi told Canal+.
“But I made the decision to go to China. It's an important choice for my career, I'm sure I'll face many challenges here.
“I like the project to develop this club. It was that which convinced me to come to Hebei, as well as the financial aspect.
“I'm also fascinated by Chinese culture, so to come and play here is definitely an interesting challenge.”
Lavezzi will play alongside offseason recruits Gervinho, Gael Kakuta and Stephane Mbia at Hebei China Fortune, who are managed by former Everton midfielder Li Tie.