Gio Moreno keen to join Anelka & Drogba at Shanghai Shenhua

Jun 22, 2012 9:19:00 PM

The No.10 bid farewell to Racing to embark on a new adventure in the far east, and he is excited at the prospect at starring in Sergio Batista's team in China

New Shanghai Shenhua signing Gio Moreno is looking forward to playing alongside ex-Chelsea forwards Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba in China, dismissing suggestions that he elected to move east for anything other than purely footballing reasons.

The Colombia international, 25, said goodbye to Racing Club at a final training session on Thursday before joining former Argentina coach Sergio Batista's side in a move believed to be worth around €4.7 million ($6m).

Speaking to TyC Sports in an interview on Friday, Gio explained that he was relishing the challenge in a nation not known for its high standard of football.

"As everyone knows, China is not a market that is to the liking of every person. But the truth is that if there is one thing that motivates me, it is the team [Shenhua]," he declared, pointing out the strikers he will be assisting in Shanghai as proof of that ambition.

"They are picking up players of an international standard, like Anelka and Drogba. The plan is to be there and form a great team.

"It is a footballing opportunity, nothing else. A good deal was made, that is why I am going there."

Moreno spent two years at Racing, his best season coming in the 2011 Apertura when La Academia finished second under the direction of Diego Simeone.

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