Atlético Madrid transfers Colombian striker Jackson Martínez to Guangzhou Evergrande for $46 million

Jackson Martínez, 29, has signed a "four-year" contract with Guanzhou Evergrande, according to statements from both the Chinese and Spanish clubs on their websites.

"It has been an honor for me to be part of this club, but I believe it is time to start a new chapter in my career. We have talked a lot in recent days and we agree that this is the best decision for everyone," said the Colombian forward quoted on Atletico's website.

Jackson Martínez had joined Atlético Madrid in the previous summer transfer window from Porto for €37 million to fill the position left by Mario Mandzukic, who was transferred to Juventus, but he did not meet the club's expectations. Now, he will have a new opportunity.

杰克逊•马丁内斯 JacksonMartinez 正式加盟广州队 。 #马到成功 #广州 #恒大 pic.twitter.com/wK80yenJPq

— GZ Evergrande FC (GZEvergrandeFC) febrero 3, 2016

The Chinese club, managed by Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, described Martínez as a "world-class player," a "predator" and "a fox in the box."

Jackson Martínez's transfer fee shatters the record in China held by Jiangsu Suning, who had recently paid €28 million to Chelsea for Brazilian midfielder Ramires.