Hulk's 'pride' at China stint as exit looms

Brazilian star Hulk appears to be on the brink of leaving Shanghai SIPG after the forward posted an apparent farewell message to the club and China on social media.

"I want to express all my pride, affection, gratitude and respect for Chinese soccer," the 34-year-old forward wrote.

"I arrived in China in 2016 and since then I have always been very well treated and respected by all."

Hulk joined SIPG from Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg in July 2016 for a reported 55.8-million-euro (around $66-million) fee. He has netted 75 goals in 142 matches, and captained the club to its maiden Chinese Super League title in 2018.

However, he reportedly told Brazilian media in July that he would not remain with SIPG when his contract finishes at the end of this year.

The former Porto player found himself on the bench at times in recent matches as SIPG finished fourth in this season's campaign. He started Wednesday's third-place playoff against Beijing Guo'an but failed to score in the 1-1 draw, in what was his 100th CSL appearance.

"Thank you to everyone at the club," he wrote on Weibo before Wednesday's game, adding: "(And) to the fans who have always had affection and respect for me. And especially to the players, who have always had a very great union, relationship of affection, friendship and much respect."

SIPG will next compete in the Asian Champions League East competition in Qatar (Nov 18-Dec 4).

AFP