Hong Kong defender Gerbig completes Chinese Super League transfer, says Henan FC move ‘not about the money’

Oliver Gerbig said his Chinese Super League switch was “not motivated by money”, and he chose Henan FC over other suitors because the club provided a “clear path forwards” for his blossoming career.

The Hong Kong defender fielded offers from Asia and Europe after a trio of accomplished performances at last month’s AFC Asian Cup finals in Qatar.

And while acknowledging that leaving behind an “amazing life” in Hong Kong was a wrench, he said comfort had not been at the heart of his decision.

“I met with the team in Guangzhou for a preseason camp, and in the first two days realised life would be very different,” he said. “I was uncomfortable initially.

“I loved living in Hong Kong, which made moving a hard decision, but I have not come here to live a fantastic life, the move is for football, so I will deal with it, no problem”.

Gerbig’s career has undergone a “big turnaround” since the opening months of the season, when he was “not in a good place with my football”.