Didier Drogba has signed with Shanghai Shenhua in China's Super League, just a month after scoring the winning penalty for Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final.
What happened?
The Ivorian striker, 34, will be the highest-profile player to join the China Super League, earning a record-breaking 12 million euro per season.
Shanghai Shenhua, backed by online gaming tycoon Zhu Jun, has been ambitious in its signings, having already acquired Nicolas Anelka in December.
The team has had a poor season, currently ranking 12th out of 16 teams with just 14 points from 13 games.
Why it matters for Didier Drogba
Drogba's signing is expected to bring excitement to the city, with his professionalism and international vision likely to have a great impact on the team.
Zhu Jun stated that he bought Drogba to make supporters happy, believing his strengths will have a great impact on other players.
What comes next?
Drogba's arrival may help improve the team's poor results, with only nine goals scored between Anelka and his teammates so far.
The team is just three points above the relegation zone, making it unlikely to win the title in 2012.
But with Drogba on board, Shanghai Shenhua may still have a chance to turn their season around.
As Titan sports commentator Yan Qiang noted, Drogba will be the highest-profile player to join the China Super League.
Yan Qiang also emphasized that Chinese football needs an overhaul of its youth development system.
Drogba's salary is the highest ever offered by China's sports, at 12 million euro per season.
He will still be wearing blue, but now with Shanghai Shenhua instead of Chelsea.
The club's French coach, Jean Tigana, didn't last long, leaving after just two months due to disillusionment with the lack of control over transfers.
Drogba's experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial in helping the team improve their results.
With his international recognition and vision, Drogba may contribute to promoting Chinese football and improving standards.
As Yan Qiang said, what Chinese football really needs is an overhaul of its youth development system.
But for now, the focus is on Drogba's signing and the potential impact it will have on the team.
The city is excited about Drogba's arrival, and fans are hoping he will bring success to the team.
Drogba's move to Shanghai Shenhua is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the China Super League.