Two Atletico Stars Move to Chinese Club, Not Only for Money

DBasia.news – All of sudden, a huge transfer happened between Atletico Madrid and Chinese club, Dalian Yifang. As a matter of fact, two players transferred to Dalian, Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan.

“Yannick Carrasco has been transferred to Dalian Yifang, from the Chinese Super League. The Belgian winger joined Atlético de Madrid on 10 July 2015 and made 124 appearances for our club. He scored 23 goals and gave 17 assists during his time as an Atletico player,” said the short statement in Atletico official site, Tuesday (27/02).

“Nico Gaitán has been sold to Dalian Yifang, from the Chinese Super League. The Argentine winger joined Atletico de Madrid during the 2016 summer transfer window and made 49 appearances for our club,” the statement continued.

The transfer was shocking, though it’s not the first time Chinese clubs are inviting Europe players. Especially for Carrasco, who is only 24 years old. His decision to leave Europe was regretted by many people because he is predicted to shine brightly in Blue Continent.

Inevitably, there is a stigma that Carrasco is only moving to get money. Chinese clubs are known royal in giving money for European money. Carrasco said receive ‎£8,8M for each season.

Dalian was said to give €30M and €18M to recruit Carrasco and Gaitan. Carrasco said his reason for moving to China, wasn’t only for money.

“I decided to leave Atletico and start a new adventure with Dalian Yifang, to join the Wanda group project. The Chinese championship is booming, the working conditions are excellent, the new infrastructures are modern and they are available for both players and fans. The level of play improves every season,” said Carrasco.