Carrasco explains the reasons behind his move to China LaLiga - Atletico Madrid Dismisses suggestion the motive is financial

Yannick Carrasco has explained the reasons behind his move from Atletico Madrid to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

The player will be joined by a fellow teammate at Atletico, with 30-year-old Argentine Nico Gaitan also moving to Dalian Yifang for an undisclosed fee.

"I decided to leave Atletico and start a new adventure with Dalian Yifang, to join the Wanda group project," the Belgian said of his exit.

"The Chinese championship is booming, the working conditions are excellent, the new infrastructures are modern and they are available for both players and fans.

"The level of play improves every season.

"I am very happy and eager to join my new teammates at Dalian Yifang in the coming days.

"The project and offer of the club are a great sign of confidence and respect, and represent an opportunity to develop my qualities and my future."

Carrasco spoke of his ambitions to improve the profile of football in China, alongside other high-profile names who are already there.

Interestingly, he also spoke about his ambitions to develop personally.

"Along with Hulk, [Ezequiel] Lavezzi, [Fabio] Capello and, of course, my friend [Axel] Witsel, I will contribute to the development of football in a country that is passionate about football," he explained.

"Beyond football, which remains my priority, this country also offers me the opportunity to develop personally and also on professional projects that are important to me."

The move to China and away from Europe has provoked rumours that Carrasco's transfer was due to financial reasons, as a move which would initially seem to hinder the chances of the winger being selected for the Belgian national team going into this summer's World Cup in Russia.

However, the 24-year-old spoke of and reiterated his intentions to play in the World Cup.

"My distance from the European continent does not mean that my ambition to participate in the World Cup is reduced," he said.

"I will make the necessary efforts to show the coach of the Belgian team that I am ready to participate in the World Cup in Russia this summer."

Carrasco finished by thanking everyone involved in the two and a half seasons he spent at Atletico Madrid.

"My family and I want to thank all those who have shared our time in Madrid, be it the club, the fans, my coach or my teammates," he stated.

"I will miss them immensely and they will be unforgettable memories for me,"

"Spain and Atletico Madrid will always have a great place in my heart."

In total, Carrasco played 124 times for Atleti, so has a plaque on the club's Walk of Legends.