Mousa Dembele left Tottenham and turned down interest from Bayern Munich and Inter Milan for the chance to emulate kung-fu icon Bruce Lee in the Far East.
'I chose China because I needed something new,' said Dembele, who has joined Guangzhou R&F from Spurs for £11million.
'Other clubs in Europe and Qatar were also a possibility but the adventure at Guangzhou was the most interesting.
'I've always been a fan of martial arts actor Bruce Lee. His films made me want to go to China one day.
'Of course the financial aspect played a part but I want to throw myself completely into the football.'
Dembele will earn £5million a year in the Chinese Super League after the 31-year-old Belgian departed English football.
He made 249 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, since signing from Fulham in 2012, but had just six months remaining on his contract.
He has only appeared 13 times this season, with the likes of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko earning more playing time.
Dembele has also not played since suffering an injury and being substituted after just seven minutes in their victory at Wolves on November 3.
The midfielder has made 82 appearances for Belgium during a 12-year international career, and has featured at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, as well as Euro 2016.
Lidroid
88
Sad to see him go, but his body just can't cope with the PremierLeague anymore. One of the most gifted players I've ever seen in a Spurs shirt and a nightmare on his day.
rf
88
Thank you for the memories, mousadembele! 🙌
dd
79
Will miss this guy. One of my all time favourite Spurs players. Fantastic to watch, gave everything. A fit Dembele in would walk into any team in the world. mousadembele good luck in China
tot
72
Mousa was true to the words he said and is one of the most gifted players we have had in the modern day era at Tottenham Hotspur.
Emmanuel1651
59
Bros, The truth is that you Left Tottenham Hotspur to China Because of The Money, Not because you are a fan to a late Bruce Lee . Say the truth and let the Devil be Ashamed
Vuuekms
56
players are not playing just for their hobby but they are playing to earn money as well so if any player choose any club after 30's then I would say it's right decision for them .at the end trophy wont run their living ...he is just being practical.....
Vewinr
55
He joined china because he wanted something new😂😂😂😂as laliga and other leagues were older........tell the truth....you wanted money......everybody say that when he goes to another league...tell us something new
chidesco1
48
We all know that the money comes first. Now I wouldn't be bad to watch Dembele star in a martial arts movie after his playing career, will it?