Messi endorses Lavezzi's move

Argentine striker Ezequiel Lavezzi's decision to move from Paris Saint Germain to the Chinese Super League's Hebei China Fortune has the blessing of none other than his legendary compatriot, Lionel Messi.

"I called Messi and other players with the Argentine national team to tell them about my move to China. They supported my decision," said Lavezzi, who signed with Hebei on Feb 17.

"I gave up signing with other European clubs like Inter Milan, Chelsea or Manchester United. Finally I am here in China after one of the biggest and most challenging decisions of my life," the 31-year-old said.

Lavezzi said China's burgeoning top-flight league and its rich culture were the main factors behind the move.

"China has developed a huge interest in soccer through an increasing number of big international names in its professional league," he said.

"I know there have been lots of big international names playing in China. They will help boost the strength of the country's professional league and make the games more competitive."

After signing his contract with Hebei, Lavezzi became one of the top 10 most expensive players in the world, and will pick up a weekly pay check of 400,000 pounds ($563,000), according to Xinhua News Agency.

In a recent interview with China Daily in Guangzhou, where the Hebei club will make its debut in the CSL against Guangzhou R&F on Friday evening, the Argentine refused to say much about his salary.

"Yes, money was one of the concerns for me in moving to China. But as a professional player, I will train and play hard to help the team win each game," he said.

Lavezzi, who was a member of Argentina's 2014 World Cupsquad in Brazil, said playing in China could affect his chances of another call-up to the national side.

"I am not sure I will be the best player in the Chinese league; all I can do is play well and try to win a position in the national squad," he said.

Hebei China Fortune has purchased several famous internationals from the European leagues, including Cote d'Ivoire striker Gervinho, Cameroon captain Stephane M'Bia, Sevilla midfielder Gael Kakuta and Australian defender Ersan Gulum, as it aims to make an immediate mark in the CSL.

Ye Jun, chairman of the club, said even more money would be invested to build a strong squad and a sound training system for the development of young Chinese players.

"We regard soccer as another business-growing engine in the company's development," Ye said.

"As a result, we will prioritize the introduction of more international names to boost the team's strength and reputation," said Ye.

The club has also introduced several coaches from the Japanese league to help develop its young players, he said.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn