Dario Conca as he plays for Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League in 2013. (Photo : Reuters)
Former Fluminense star Dario Leonardo Conca has officially joined Shanghai SIPG. The announcement was made on Saturday after the Argentine midfielder passed his medical tests.
Speaking to fans, Conca expressed his happiness for the opportunity to return in China and play again.
"It is my pleasure to come back to China and join the SIPG, thanks to all my Chinese fans," said the midfielder.
"Although Shanghai is a strange city for me, I'm sure that I can adapt to the environment and perform wonderful games for all of you," promised Conca.
The deal reportedly worth $22 million would see the South American player in action at the Chinese Super League for two years with SIPG. Conca previously saw action in the side of Guangzhou Evergrande for three seasons in two and a half years.
His record for Guangzhou was 55 goals scored in 100 appearances.
SIPG FC Deputy General Manager Sun Hao said that numerous factors were considered in getting Conca to play for their team. SIPG finished fifth in the last season. Word is out that the team's numerous new signings are measures taken by coach Sven Goran Eriksson to further strengthen their chances in the coming season.
According to Sun, Conca was chosen because of Eriksson's recommendation. He also added that "Conca's successful experience in China" previously played a factor in their decision, as they believe the player could "reproduce it and help the team enhance their strength as quickly as possible."
Eriksson, a former England manager, joined SIPG in Nov. 2014.
"This year is very important for us, and I'm very proud of being here to give Conca a warm welcome," said Eriksson. "As you know in China everyone loves Conca, no matter you were Guangzhou Evergrande's fans or not," he added.
With Conca on-board, Eriksson promised to attempt harder in reaching the league's top three.
"Having many wonderful players now, we will try to reach the top three in the new season," said the 66-year-old coach. "Champion title? If we can earn victories one after one, why not?"
Aside from Conca, rumors have circulated that the team has also approached Newcastle player Papiss Cisse and offered him a spot in SIPG.
