Aiyegbeni finds himself at home in Guangzhou

Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni believes the Chinese Super League (CSL) will help improve his game, after serving almost 10 years in the English Premier League.

"You can see that the Chinese league is moving toward an international approach, which is very good for players," he said. "We are improving with each game. And the good momentum we have in the team will help improve my performances."

The 29-year-old Nigerian signed a three-year deal with Guangzhou R&F in July, after his former club, Blackburn, was relegated from the EPL to the Championship.

"Both leagues are quite different," he said. "You can't compare the Chinese league and English Premier League as they have different styles. I am happy with the team. It is really good to see that my Chinese teammates are improving."

Aiyegbeni made his CSL debut in the Guangzhou derby match between R&F and Evergrande on July 15 at Tianhe Stadium. He scored the winning goal in the 87th minute, ending Guangzhou Evergrande's unbeaten run of 34 home matches in the league.

"My Chinese teammates have done a good job," he said. "They train very hard. And most importantly, they have provided me with lots of assistance on the field. I could not have scored so many goals without their hard work."

Aiyegbeni told BBC earlier that money was not his prime reason for playing in China.

"Money cannot buy you happiness and what I have found from the people in China is love, happiness, sincerity and warmth," he said.

"China has started an unbelievable soccer program and it is nice to be a part of it."

The Nigerian was one of several big international stars to join the league during its mid-season break, joining former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, who signed with Shanghai Shenhua.

He has so far scored six goals in seven CSL matches, becoming the most efficient foreign striker in the Chinese league after the second transfer window.

"Drogba is one of the best players in Europe," Aiyegbeni said. "He is also proving his ability in China after scoring four goals in six matches. He is doing well. We often talk over the phone. I have scored more goals than him because my teammates pass many balls to me. I am so lucky to play with them."

Talking about the match against Shanghai Shenxin on Sunday, Aiyegbeni said he hoped Nigerians living and working in Guangzhou would come to support him.

"It makes feel at home, since Guangzhou has many people from Nigeria. It is good to have people from my country living and working here. But I do not really have time to spend with them after training and playing," he told China Daily. "I would like them to come to the stadium and watch me to play. I am just enjoying the moment playing here."

(China Daily 09/14/2012 page23)