Blackburn defender Ayegbeni Yakubu makes switch to China

Ayegbeni Yakubu: 'We just plead that the fans stay with us' (Getty Images)

Blackburn striker Ayegbeni Yakubu has completed his move to Chinese club Guangzhou R&F for an undisclosed fee.

The two clubs agreed a deal earlier this month and the former Everton striker has now signed a three-year deal in the Far East.

"It's a new adventure for me after playing in Israel and England," Yakubu told BBC Sport.

"Many will ask why China? The truth is there is not much to prove after scoring almost a century of goals in a league considered as one of the best in the world (the Premier League).

"I thank Blackburn Rovers, the fans, fellow players for making my one season there seem like a decade - I appreciate their support (and) I hope the club will come back again into the top flight as soon as possible."

PA