AFCON MVP Christian Bassogog makes move to China

Cameroon international and Henan Jianye attacker, Christian Bassogog recently made a move from Europe to the Chinese Super League. Now, Bassogog is setting the record straight about his move to the affluent CSL.

Christian Bassogog joins Henan Jianye in Feb. [Photo: le.com]

Christian Bassogog recently joined a long list (and growing) of world soccer superstars who are seeing and seeking greener pastures at soccer clubs in China. These clubs are willing to spend fortunes to bring world-class stars like Bassogog to the Asian country. The African Cup of Nations MVP, whose performance in January saw him break the bank for his signature, has now garnered him the best deal in the CSL.

The previous superstars that have a moved to the Chinese Super League include the likes of Oscar, Carlos Tevez, John Obi Mikel and Ramires. Bassogog's move to China is seen as a great one for his career by analysts.

The likes of Mikel, Gervinho, Odio Ighalo, Papiss Cisse and Stephen Mbia are some of mother Africa's very own talent who are already applying their skills and trade in the country. Bassogog is amongst this growing list of African stars who are making their name in China. 

After his move to China, Christian Bassogog has been reported as saying he's had to answer numerous questions from his Indomitable Lions teammates about his decision to leave the world famous European league. The 21 year old says a lot of the questions that were posed to him included the curiosity from teammates about whether he was coerced into going. 

The Guardian reported that Christian Bassogog left the big European leagues to move to the Chinese Super League because he believes in the challenge that was posed to him in terms of the move. They reported that the move was not all about money, but the challenge that he set himself to overcome.

Despite Christian's admission that the contract that was presented to him was very handsome and very persuasive, he conceded that his plans are to use the league as a stepping stone to sharpen and perfect his craft. Bassogog says he might even return to Europe in the future after meeting the challenge that he now finds himself having to overcome. 

Christian Bassogog says if he makes it in China, he will be able to get to the very top in European football in the future. With football being global, Bassogog has now played in four different continents.

Christian Bassogog is yet another proof that Africa and China work very well together, whether in business or in sport.