Yakubu says move is not about the money

BEIJING – Nigerian striker Ayegbeni Yakubu insisted yesterday that his move to China was motivated by a fierce desire to help his ambitious new club, rather than the huge sum of money on offer.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker is the latest in a series of Premier League footballers to join the Chinese Super League for reportedly enormous salaries.

British media have reported Yakubu will be paid (R60.6m) a year to play for Guangzhou R&F, although the club has not commented on his salary. The player said it was irrelevant.

“After hearing the club’s plans, I realised I had to join. Money wasn’t a factor, ” Yakubu said in remarks quoted by Chinese sports website 21cn.

Yakubu, 29, who signed a threeyear contract, said Nicolas Anelka’s decision to join Shanghai Shenhua in January sparked much interest in China among other top players.

“Since Anelka arrived, more and more top-flight players are coming to China, and our arrival can help improve the quality of the nation’s football, ” Yakubu said.

Anelka joined Shenhua on a twoyear contract reportedly paying

000 (R2.36m) a week. His presence, however, has failed to lift his club from near the bottom of the table.

Didier Drogba is set to join Anelka at Shenhua this weekend on a contract that press reports say is worth R2.6m a week.

Yakubu suggested that any potential culture shock would be eased by the large Nigerian population in Guangzhou.

“I’ve heard that there are 5 000 of my compatriots living in Guangzhou,” he said.

Guangzhou R&F’s vice-president Lu Yi said that the club, currently sixth in the standings after being promoted from China’s second division last season, would consider making further expensive signings.

“Our objective is qualification for the Asian Club Championship, and we ’ ll do everything we can to strengthen our team,” he told Chinese portal Netease. – Sapa-AFP