The world’s sixth highest paid player Graziano Pelle has scored his first girl for Chinese side Shandong Luneng.
The Italian international latched onto a Chi Zhang cross to put his side 3-0 up as they posted an emphatic 4-1 victory over Hangzhou Greentown – captained by Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic.
Pelle was unable to make an impact in his debut against Liaoning last week, but those lining his pockets will be glad to see him start scoring as they look for a return on their investment.
The former Southampton man will now be earning upwards of $24 million annually and will be expected to score freely in the Chinese Super League.
Shandong Luneng, like many of their rivals, have been making great strides in the global transfer market in recent times and now boast one of the most potent attacks in Asia.
WATCH PELLE’S FIRST GOAL FOR SHANDONG
Joining Pelle is Papiss Cisse, who also scored his first goal for the club overnight after coming on as a late substitute.
Cisse, who has played in France, Germany, as well as his native Senegal, made a name for himself in the Premier League for Newcastle United, amassing 13 goals in 14 appearances during the 2011/12 season after joining in the January transfer window.
Shandong Luneng have struggled in the first half of the season with only 5 victories in 19 matches but if their two new star imports, Pelle and Cisse can fire, they will quickly move up the table.
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