African footballer Yaya Toure joins Qingdao Huanghai FC

Yaya Toure, four-time African Footballer of the Year, has joined China's Qingdao Huanghai FC, a club in China's second-tier league, the club announced on Wednesday.

Qingdao Huanghai says it hopes Toure will consolidate the defence line and help the club to reach the China Super League.

Manchester City's Yaya Toure celebrates after scoring against West Ham during their English League Cup semi-final soccer match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Wednesday Jan. 8, 2014. [File photo: IC]

The best two teams at the end of the season will be promoted to the Super League, and Qingdao Huanghai ranks first after half of the 2019 season.

The 36-year-old Toure, who plays as a midfielder, was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Toure played for Spanish side Barcelona from 2007 to 2010, scoring six goals and contributing eight assists in more than 120 matches.

He joined English Premier League club Manchester City in 2010 and had 24 goals and 12 assists in eight years.