Where are they now? 13 former Chinese Super League stars who are still playing their way into the headlines
Gervinho and Jackson Martinez prove post China careers can continue while network of Chinese-owned clubs worldwide offers another way out
So what happened next for other high profile, highly paid players when they were deemed surplus to requirements in China?
There’s plenty of evidence it no longer has to be a backwards step for a football career – or off the pitch moves – for those that keep playing once they leave the CSL.
Gervinho – Parma
The Ivorian moved to newly promoted Serie A side Parma in the summer and has since scored a wonder goal for the Chinese-owned Italian club.
Gervinho took the ball from near his own penalty area against Cagliari last Saturday before a calm finish off the post after dribbling nearly the length of the pitch. Needless to say, like Paulinho’s performances at Barcelona last season before returning to Guangzhou Evergrande, this came as a shock to football fans from north London.
Jackson Martinez – Portimonense