Salomon Rondon sends emotional message after sealing Dalian Yifang move

Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon has posted an emotional message on social media after making the move to the Far East with Dalian Yifang. The experienced striker had spent the past four seasons in the Premier League with the final one of those with Newcastle United on a season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion.

“Today is the end of an incredible spell for me in the Premier League. During these past four seasons I’ve seen my dreams come true, like scoring in some of the greatest stadiums in the world or hearing some of the most loyal supporters chant my name.In my final year, I was extremely lucky to be part of a very special club, where I really felt loved by the supporters and after putting in a lot of effort, I enjoyed one of my best seasons on an individual level and we achieved a good outcome as a team,” he wrote on his official Twitter account.

Rondon was initially expected to make the return to the Premier League with West Ham United and former club Newcastle considered as potential destinations. However, the former opted to secure the services of Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt instead while the Magpies were not able to entice him following the departure of Rafa Benitez from the head coach role.

Nonetheless, the marksman has been reunited with Benitez, who was recently appointed as the new manager of Dalian and it remains to be seen whether the duo can transform the fortunes of the club. Dalian have largely been a mid-table team despite the recent spending but the physical presence and quality of Rondon upfront should enhance their prospects of scoring more goals in the future.

Meanwhile, the Baggies have acted swiftly to replace Rondon with Cardiff City’s Kenneth Zohore making the switch to the west Midlands. West Brom are regarded as the fourth favourites to secure promotion to the Premier League next season.