20 of the best foreign players to have played in the Chinese Super League

4 – Ezequiel Lavezzi

The Argentine international turned down some big clubs to move to China

Ezequiel Lavezzi began his senior career at Argentinian clubs Estudiantes and San Lorenzo before earning a move to Italian side Napoli SSC in 2007, just after the club regained promotion to Serie A. Lavezzi quickly became a fan favourite in Italy, winning the affection of the supporters with his slick feet and great work ethic. Over five years at Napoli the Argentine scored 38 goals in 156 appearances.

In July 2012, French giants Paris Saint-Germain announced the signing of Lavezzi on a four-year deal. The winger scored 22 goals in 107 outings in the PSG shirt, many of them crucial at various points of Ligue 1 and the Champions League. The 31-year-old played an important role for PSG in securing three back to back Ligue 1 titles. Lavezzi then made a move to the Chinese Super League with Hebei China Fortune on a two-year deal, rejecting huge clubs like Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United in the process. His reported salary of £400,000 makes him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. Lavezzi has made 10 appearances for the club and is yet to score his first goal for them.