Dembele joins Guangzhou R&F

Shanghai: Mousa Dembele became the latest high-profile name to swap Europe for China PR when he left English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and joined Guangzhou R&F on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Belgian international will cost the Chinese Super League (CSL) club about 12 million euros.

Dembele, who could soon be joined in China by West Ham United's Marko Arnautovic, is regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League when fit.

But his appearances have become increasingly limited in recent seasons because of injury.

"Now it feels like my family, part of my family," Dembele told Spurs TV, reflecting on his departure after six-and-a-half years at the Premier League title challengers.

"I go away with an unbelievable feeling and with a certain love for the club."

Spurs said the transfer was subject to international clearance, which should be a formality.

In February last year, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino described Dembele as being on a par with Diego Maradona.

Dembele, who has more than 80 caps for Belgium, joined Tottenham in August 2012 from Fulham and in his pomp was a dynamic fulcrum in their midfield, as well as a crowd favourite.

He started his career in his native Belgium before moves to Willem II and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands.

R&F are coached by former Yugoslav great Dragan Stojkovic.

"Our club believes that as a world-class football star, Dembele's joining will definitely enhance the overall strength of the team," Guangzhou R&F said in a statement.

Source: AFPSource: the-afc.com