'Mad Marko' Would Be Eye-catching Addition To Chinese Football

Zeeshan Mehtab Published January 17, 2019 | 11:15 AM

Marko Arnautovic might not have the superstar status of China's biggest football imports, but the volatile West Ham striker will provide goals and drama in equal measure if he completes his proposed move.

London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jan, 2019 ) :Marko Arnautovic might not have the superstar status of China's biggest football imports, but the volatile West Ham striker will provide goals and drama in equal measure if he completes his proposed move.

Arnautovic was the subject of a reported 35 million ($44 million) offer from an unnamed Chinese Super League club last week.

Although the Hammers declared the Austria international was not for sale, the player's agent and brother Danijel Arnautovic said his client had a "great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China".

Shanghai SIPG are the side said to be interested and have reportedly offered Arnautovic a wage packet of 200,000 per week over a four-year deal.

Despite the transfer speculation, the 29-year-old started for West Ham in their 1-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday.

When he was taken off in the 71st minute, Arnautovic clapped and waved to West Ham's fans in a gesture that was interpreted as a farewell.

If Arnautovic does get his wish to cash in on the lucrative offer, Chinese fans should prepare themselves for an entertaining show from one of the Premier League's most colourful characters.

He does not have the global profile of Brazilians Oscar, Hulk, Alexandre Pato and Ramires, who have all made big-money moves to China in recent years.

But Arnautovic, labelled 'Mad Marko' for his explosive antics, brings quite the reputation.

Jose Mourinho once described Arnautovic as having the attitude of a child, while Steve McClaren, his boss at FC Twente, reportedly told friends he was the craziest player he had ever managed.

A close pal of former Manchester City star Mario Balotelli, another player happy to embrace a bad-boy tag, Arnautovic infuriated Mourinho when he briefly played on loan at Inter Milan.