10 Footballers Who Moved To China Before It Was Cool

8. Frederic Kanoute (Beijing Guoan, 2012-2013)

Perhaps best-known to English fans for his spells with West Ham and Tottenham, Kanoute found himself without a club in July 2012, after he was released by Sevilla. This prompted Beijing Guoan to approach the Malian striker - picking him up on an 18-month deal. Kanoute's time in China was rather underwhelming - managing just 13 goals in 46 games before deciding to announce his retirement in 2013, after Beijing opted against renewing his contract.
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Journalism student hopping between London and the North-East. Boxing enthusiast and Football Manager addict. Was diagnosed with supporting Sunderland AFC as a child.