10 Footballers Who Moved To China Before It Was Cool

4. Fabio Rochemback (Dalian Aerbin, 2012-2013)

Rochemback is well-known by fans in both Europe and South America, having had playing spells with Sporting Lisbon, Internacional, Barcelona, Middlesbrough and Gremio. It was in 2012 when Dalian Aerbin approached Gremio about signing the midfielder, with the Brazilian opting to link up with Seydou Keita in the Super League. He made 51 appearances and scored seven goals in China, before deciding to leave the club in 2013. He has since returned to Brazil - representing amateur outfit Ipiranga de Passo Fundo.