Renato Augusto has predicted more world-class players will move to China after becoming the latest Brazil international to join a Chinese Super League club.
Augusto confirmed his eight million-euro transfer to Beijing Guoan from current Brazilian Serie A champions Corinthians at a press conference on Wednesday.
"I apologize to the (Corinthians) fans for not being able to finish my work here," the midfielder said. "This is a unique chance in my career. I never thought I'd receive a proposal like this. I am probably suffering just as much as the fans because I saw that the hard work could bear even greater fruits."
The 27-year-old's move follows a slew of high-profile Brazilian signings by Chinese clubs.
Second-tier outfit Tianjin Songjian, who are coached by former Real Madrid and Brazil manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo, last month secured former Selecao internationals Luis Fabiano and Jadson from Sao Paulo and Corinthians respectively.
Corinthians quartet Ralf, Elias, Vagner Love and Alexandre Pato, all Brazil internationals, are also said to be on the radar of Chinese clubs.
And current Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande have former Brazil national team players Robinho, Paulinho and Ricardo Goulart in their squad. They are also coached by Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.
"There are going to be more players going to China," Augusto said, adding that he hoped Ralf would accept an offer to join Beijing Guoan,
"He is a good friend. I want him in my team. If he goes (to China) he is going to be missed at Corinthians. I'm sure that he will make the best decision for him."
Augusto, who was handed an international recall for Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru in November, said he was prepared to train harder to keep his place in the national team.
He added that Beijing Guoan's 500,000 US-dollar monthly salary offer was too good to refuse.
"I didn't choose China. China chose me. A player has 10 years to make money," he said. "When a proposal like this comes along you think about your kids and our grand kids, and you weigh it up."
"It (his national team place) is a risk that I considered before accepting. I want to train more than the others, like I've always done. I'm going to be as fit as I can to try to be at a higher level. I know it's going to be difficult. But it's a decision that I have made and now I have to go for it."
