Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu has signed a two-year deal with China's Tianjin Teda. Picture: Bradley Kanaris Source: Getty Images
ERIK Paartalu's move to China has been confirmed with the two-time A-League champion to leave Brisbane Roar for Tianjin Teda.
Paartalu, who has started in 85 successive A-League and AFC Champions League matches for the Roar since joining the club in 2010, has signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Chinese Super League side.
"I can't say that money didn't come into the equation when making this decision because a footballer's career is relatively short and I am still ambitious," Paartalu said.
"Having said this I have a strong desire to continue my football development and believe the new challenge in the Chinese Super League will help take my game to a new level.
"Whilst the past few months have been challenging I've loved my time here at the Roar and leave with fond memories."
Earlier today, Paartalu had been told to train with the club's youth team ahead of his move to China.
But with confirmation of the deal the former Australian under-17 representative will for China this weekend.
Meanwhile Socceroos defender Jade North has trained with his new Roar teammates for the first time.
North, 31, is set to make his Roar debut on Sunday when struggling Brisbane host Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.
"I'm looking forward to getting back on the pitch and getting back to where it all started," said former Newcastle Jets skipper North, who started his top-flight career as a teenager with the Brisbane Strikers in the old National Soccer League.
NEWCOMER: Socceroo Jade North trains wuith Brisbane Roar at Ballymore. Picture: Adam Armstrong Source: The Courier-Mail
"I'm over the moon to be back in Brisbane."
North has played for a host of Australian and overseas outfits, with his most recent club being Japanese outfit Consadole Sapporo.
North hopes to make a telling contribution against the Wanderers, but having not played for several weeks, his priority will be to regain his fitness.
"I'm come out of the J-League season, I've been on holidays, so I need to do whatever I can, as fast as I can to get myself fit," he said.
"I'm always ready to get back on the park, but physically . . . you can't be silly about and try to come back when you're not 100 per cent fit condition-wise.
"That's how you can get injured also. That's why I'll be working hard . . . and making sure that I'll be 100 per cent as soon as possible."
No comments:
Post a Comment