Turn down Chinese cash, Wenger urges

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says star players should wait until the end of their careers before moving to the Chinese Super League.

The CSL has become a major financial force after president Xi Jinping set China a triple target of qualifying, hosting and then winning a World Cup by 2050.

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, 32, signed for CSL side Shanghai Shenhua on Thursday on a £310,000-a-week deal, while Chelsea have agreed terms with Shanghai SIPG on a £60m deal for 25-year-old Brazil international Oscar.

Hebei China Fortune, who are managed by ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, are prepared to offer Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez a £300,000-a-week deal, but Wenger says the 28-year-old should follow Cristiano Ronaldo's example and turn down the lure of the yuan.

The world player of the year turned down an £85m-a-year deal from an unnamed Chinese club last week, according to the 31-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes.

"You can say ‘no’ - of course you can say ‘no’," Wenger said.

"Especially when you have the money of Ronaldo. I can understand the guy who works in the factory can’t say no, but a footballer can.

"All my life did not consider money too much. If I considered only money I would not be here today, believe me.

"I believe the biggest pride is to compete at the top level. I can understand when a player is 32 or 33 can have a massive contract in China and secure the rest of his life.

"But today, top-level competition is in England. You want to be in England."

Photo (Getty Images/ Michael Regan)

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