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Jackson Martinez leaves Atletico Madrid for Chinese Super League riches

Reuters

Jackson Martinez is the latest player to earn a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League, leaving Atletico Madrid for Luiz Felipe Scolari's Guangzhou Evergrande.

(Courtesy: Guangzhou Evergrande)

The fee is reported to be around €42 million for the striker.

The Colombian moved to the Spanish capital last summer after scoring 92 goals over 136 appearances at FC Porto, but struggled to replicate his goal-scoring form in La Liga, tallying just two strikes in 15 appearances. He missed training Monday for what AS reported were "personal reasons with permission of the club."

Now he'll fill the gulf left at Guangzhou Evergrande by Elkeson - who moved to league rival Shanghai SIPG - and Robinho, who exited this week following the expiration of his contract.

Martinez links up with Brazil international Paulinho at the Tianhe Stadium and follows a host of players who've recently cashed in on the lucrative transfer fees and wages the Super League offers. Fredy Guarin, Gervinho, and Ramires are among the big names who left leading European sides for China in January.

Martinez could make his debut in the Asian Champions League later this month, with league duties commencing in March.

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