RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli ended speculation about his future on Saturday by signing with Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.
"After a lot of work, including three months of observation, Shandong Luneng and Diego Tardelli have signed a formal agreement," Shandong Luneng said in a statement.
Tardelli, who had also been linked to Shandong Luneng's local rivals Guangzhou Evergrande, will reportedly earn a monthly salary of 375,000 US dollars a month.
The signing came at the behest of Shandong Luneng's Brazilian coach Cuca, who was manager of Atletico Mineiro from 2011 to 2013.
Saturday's announcement takes to four the number of Brazilians in Cuca's squad. Tardelli will join countrymen Junior Urso, Vagner Love and Aloisio.
Tardelli praised the Belo Horizonte team and their fans before departing for China.
"To Atletico Mineiro, I have come here to thank you for everything over the past two years. It has been unforgettable," Tardelli said on Instagram.
The former Real Betis forward scored 10 goals from 23 Brazilian Serie A matches in 2014. He was recalled to Brazil's squad by national coach Dunga in September.