‘Lonely’ Carrasco can leave

BELGIUM winger Yannick Carrasco can end his turbulent spell in China this year if he is desperately unhappy, his club said, in comments which will alert top European sides including Arsenal and AC Milan.

The 25-year-old was strongly linked with a move away from Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang during the winter transfer window.

Mooted moves to Arsenal and AC Milan failed to materialize but Carrasco, who joined Dalian from Atletico Madrid in February last year for a reported 10.5 million euros (US$11.8 million), stayed put.

But Dalian’s general manager Zhou Jun opened the door to his departure.

“He has a contract with the club and cannot just leave when he wants,” he said.

“But if Carrasco finally decides to go back to Europe, then we will try to find a good way for both sides to solve the problem.

“If there is any difficulty, let’s see whose difficulty is bigger. If it’s harder for the club, I believe Carrasco will stay.

“If it’s harder for Carrasco, both the club and fans will understand him (leaving this summer).”

Carrasco has been one of the star performers in Chinese football for the past 14 months and has clocked up three goals and one assist in five matches this season.

Carrasco, who featured for Belgium at the 2018 World Cup, has struggled to settle in China, said Zhou.

“His wife stayed with him last season, but this term, he sees her only occasionally,” said Zhou.

“In this respect, Carrasco needs to endure loneliness.”

(AFP)