China’s football ambition | CNN

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China’s football ambition

Updated 6:22 AM EDT, Wed June 20, 2012
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Didier Drogba has signed a two-year contract with Shanghai Shenhua. The former Chelsea star is the latest in a line of high-profile soccer stars to head to the Chinese Super League.
Drogba deal done —
Didier Drogba has signed a two-year contract with Shanghai Shenhua. The former Chelsea star is the latest in a line of high-profile soccer stars to head to the Chinese Super League.
Getty Images
Veteran Italian coach Marcello Lippi was announced as coach of Guangzhou Evergrande last month. Lippi led Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in Germany in 2006.
Lippi heads east —
Veteran Italian coach Marcello Lippi was announced as coach of Guangzhou Evergrande last month. Lippi led Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in Germany in 2006.
AFP/Getty Images
Eyebrows were raised when Argentine playmaker Dario Conca joined Guangzhou from Brazilian club Fluminense for a Chinese record transfer fee in July 2011.
Guangzhou dig deep for Dario —
Eyebrows were raised when Argentine playmaker Dario Conca joined Guangzhou from Brazilian club Fluminense for a Chinese record transfer fee in July 2011.
Getty Images
French Euro '84 winner Jean Tigana was unveiled as the new coach of Shanghai Shenhua in December 2011. But the former Fulham manager did not last long in the post, resigning from the position last month.
A short stay in Shanghai —
French Euro '84 winner Jean Tigana was unveiled as the new coach of Shanghai Shenhua in December 2011. But the former Fulham manager did not last long in the post, resigning from the position last month.
Getty Images
One highlight of Tigana's reign was the arrival of French striker Nicolas Anelka from Chelsea in January 2012. The 33-year-old enjoyed a prolific career across Europe, playing for clubs such as Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Anelka arrives —
One highlight of Tigana's reign was the arrival of French striker Nicolas Anelka from Chelsea in January 2012. The 33-year-old enjoyed a prolific career across Europe, playing for clubs such as Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Getty Images
In addition to his playing duties, Anelka also had a brief spell in a coaching role at Shenhua following Tigana's departure in April. Drogba's arrival means Anelka will be reunited with his former Chelsea teammate.
Nicolas' new role —
In addition to his playing duties, Anelka also had a brief spell in a coaching role at Shenhua following Tigana's departure in April. Drogba's arrival means Anelka will be reunited with his former Chelsea teammate.
Getty Images
Guangzhou broke the Chinese transfer record once more to capture Lucas Barrios from German champions Borussia Dortmund. The Paraguay striker officially joined the club on June 1.
Record-breaker Barrios —
Guangzhou broke the Chinese transfer record once more to capture Lucas Barrios from German champions Borussia Dortmund. The Paraguay striker officially joined the club on June 1.
Getty Images
The latest player to be linked with a move from England to China is Yakubu. The Nigerian striker, currently contracted to recently relegated Blackburn Rovers, is reportedly set to sign for Guangzhou Fuli.
Yearning for Yakubu? —
The latest player to be linked with a move from England to China is Yakubu. The Nigerian striker, currently contracted to recently relegated Blackburn Rovers, is reportedly set to sign for Guangzhou Fuli.
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