Graziano Pelle: Southampton striker joins Shandong Luneng
Graziano Pelle has completed a move to Chinese side Shandong Luneng despite interest from Chelsea and Everton. The Italy international left Southampton in a £13million deal and was unveiled by Shandong Luneng on Monday.
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It is understood Pelle will earn £13.6million a year in China, making him the joint-fifth highest paid player in the world.
The deal represents a £5million profit for the Saints on a player who turns 31 on Friday.
A statement on Southampton's official website read: 'Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to thank Graziano for his efforts during his time at St Mary's and wish him well for the future.'
Pelle moved to St Mary's from Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer of 2014, helping the club achieve back-to-back record-breaking seasons in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old, who featured for Italy at Euro 2016, made 81 appearances during two successful campaigns with the Saints, scoring 30 goals.
Pelle is the latest player to switch to China in a big-money move following the transfers of Jackson Martinez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Ramires.
The striker will partner former Premier League forward Papiss Cisse up front who also signed for Shandong from Newcastle on Saturday.
A Newcastle statement said: 'Everyone at St. James' Park wishes Papiss all the best for the next stage of his career.'
Cisse also posted messages to the Geordie faithful on Twitter: 'I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for the Newcastle fans. I will never forget them as long as I live and will be back as a supporter alongside them 1 day.'