Unknown player becomes world's third highest paid player

July 03, 2011 • • min read

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Argentine midfielder Darío Conca has managed to catapult himself into becoming the third best paid footballer on the planet after joining Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.


Photo: gzevergrandefc.com

Known domestically as "the Chinese Chelsea", Guangzhou have smashed the nation's transfer record to land Conca for $10 million from Brazilian club Fluminese.

According to Globoesporte, the 28-year-old will receive an incredible €26.5 million over two and a half years during his stay at the club, which is currently only lower than the salaries of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

"This is a good offer for the club, and words cannot describe what it represents to Conca," Fluminense coach Abel Braga told Globoesporte.

"It will allow him and his family financial security in just two and a half years.

"This offer will put him in the top ten highest-paid players in the world."

Conca joined Fluminese on loan from Argentine giants River Plate in 2008 before making a permanent switch one year later.

He helped the club to win last season's Brasileirão, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances, and was voted as the league's best player for his efforts during the campaign.