FORMER Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon has followed in the footsteps of ex-Toon boss Rafa Benitez by leaving Chinese side Dalian Pro.
Rondon, 31, has joined CSKA Moscow on loan after failing to find a Premier League side with the Chinese Super League still suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Salomon Rondon has joined CSKA Moscow on loan from Chinese side Dalian ProCredit: Getty – Contributor
Rondon was linked with Tottenham and a potential return to West Brom in last month’s transfer window.
But neither move materialised and he has instead opted to play for the third Russian side of his career, after stints at Rubin Kazan and Zenit St Petersburg.
Benitez quit Dalian in January after deciding to walk away from his reported £12million-a-year deal for family reasons.
Confirming the identity his new employers on Twitter, Rondon wrote: “New experience, same excitement! An honour to wear the CSKA Moscow shirt!”
He added: “It’s an honour for me to be joining CSKA Moscow, a great club with a rich history.
“I head into this new chapter in my career with real excitement.
“I’m raring to get out on the pitch and repay the faith that’s been shown in me and be back and playing in a competition of the standard of the Russian Premier League.”
The Venezuelan forward had impressed in his last season with Dalian, bagging nine goals and four assists in just 14 games to make him one of the league’s top performers.
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He spent the 2018-19 season on loan at St James’ Park from the Baggies and had great success playing under Benitez.
Rondon scored 12 goals in 33 appearances to help the Magpies avoid the drop and the Spanish boss was keen to sign him permanently.
But when the club declined to turn the loan into a full-time move, Rondon followed Benitez by heading out to China to sign with Dalian.
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Salomon Rondon reveals he wanted to stay at Newcastle – but knew he had no chance as soon as Rafa Benitez left
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
