The 2010-11 Johnny Warren Medallist, Marcos Flores, has left Adelaide United to join Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye.
Flores, 25, delighted A-League fans last season with his skill in the midfield for Adelaide and the club was hopeful of the Argentinean playmaker signing a new deal to remain with Rini Coolen’s side.
But ongoing negotiations have fallen through, with Henan Jianye said to have paid $500,000 to secure Flores’ services.
He had recently spoken about his wish to stay in Adelaide but the Hindmarsh Stadium outfit could not agree on a salary with Flores, who is expected to earn up to $800,000 a year for playing in China.
“We were told on Friday afternoon by Marcos,” Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“We tried to dissuade him, we are very disappointed.”
The move is sure to disappoint many Adelaide United fans and could affect ticket sales ahead of the new season, if an adequate replacement is not found.
Flores made 31 A-League appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.
