Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Jay Bothroyd has signed a sensational £5m deal to join Muangthong United in Thailand.

Former England striker Bothroyd, 31, has been given the two-year contract TAX FREE to help promote the country's expanding Premier League.

Muangthong United want former QPR and Arsenal striker to help the club progress in the Asian Champions League and promote football in Thailand.

More than 50,000 fans turned out to watch Bothroyd play in a friendly this week and now they have tied up a two-year contract which also includes a lucrative image rights package.

Bothroyd told Mirror Sport on Tuesday: “It’s an unbelievably exciting opportunity, first and foremost I want to repay the faith paid in me by playing well for the club and fans.

“Muangthong United is the biggest club in Thailand and has the potential to be one of the most successful in Asia.

“Along with the playing side I will be working with the club to promote the team and league on a global basis and that is something I am going to love doing.

“Thailand is a beautiful country and football is the national sport here, the passion and interest in football is just amazing, it’s been quite overwhelming the reception I have received here.

“This is a fantastic challenge and I am looking forward to life in Thailand with my family.”

The Thai club see signing Bothroyd – whose signing has been plastered over billboards and been the lead item on the TV news – as a major breakthrough in promoting the country's growing league.

The potential earnings from the image rights package are enormous because of the intense interest in English football and footballers in Thailand.

Muangthong executive director Ronnarit Suewaja said: “We wanted Jay because not only is he a fantastic footballer but he will be a great ambassador for our club and the Thai Premier League.

“Football in Thailand is growing year by year and we are excited at the prospect of Jay playing for us and helping the team win trophies.

“Muangthong United has a tradition of competing for the major honours in Thailand and we also want to perform well in the Asia Champions League.”