Off the wire
• Bolivia tightens borders after El Chapo's escape amid investigation into his son  • 1st LD: Jury decides Colorado theater shooter guilty of 24 murder counts  • UN-backed action plan to improve study of weather and climate in Polar regions takes shape  • Urgent: Jury decides Colorado theater shooter guilty of 24 murder counts  • Upcoming elections to be critical for stability in Haiti: UN officials  • Roundup: Canadian stock market moves higher over banks rally  • Mozambique needs legislation to promote private investment, says president  • Israel slams ICC for probing war crimes in 2010 Marmara raid  • Roundup: IS claims missile attack on Egypt navy vessel, army killed 22 militants  • Croatia to build LNG project in Krk inland  
You are here: 　 Home

Brazilian media reacts to Robinho's China move

Xinhua, July 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

Brazil's media have underlined the country's growing influence on Chinese football after Robinho ended weeks of speculation by joining Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday.

The signing, confirmed on Guangzhou's official website, means there are now 28 Brazilians playing in the Chinese Super League, just one short of the record set in 2012.

"In the last few years the number of Brazilians playing in China has risen and is now surpassing other traditional leagues," the Uol news service said.

Evergrande currently have six Brazilians on their books and are coached by the Selecao's 2002 World Cup-winning boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Robinho joins compatriots Elkeson, Ricardo Goulart, Alan, Rene Junior and Paulinho in Scolari's squad.

"With the transfer window now open, it's possible that the number of Brazilians playing in China will rise even more," Uol added.

Robinho, who signed as a free agent after leaving Santos last month, will be tied to his new club until the end of the year with the option of an extension.

Media in Brazil have reported he will earn a monthly salary of around a million euros.

Guangzhou are said to have fended off interest in the 31-year-old from Mexico's Queretaro and an unnamed US Major League Soccer club.

Globoesporte emphasized the role played by Scolari in convincing the former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan winger to play in China.

"He was recommended by Scolari, who instigated the move," the newspaper said. Endi