Yakubu signs for Guangzou Fuli

Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has finally departed Championship club Blackburn Rovers for Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Fuli.

The 29-year old Nigerian striker has ended almost a decade stay in England to become the latest high-profile player to make the move to China and he is looking forward to the challenge after turning down plenty of other offers.

"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.

"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."

He added: "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.

"They are starting an unbelievable football programme here and it's nice to be a part of it."

Yakubu has also featured for Gil Vicente,Maccabi Haifa,Hapoel Kfar Saba,Portsmouth,Middlesbrough,Everton and Leicester City.