HANOI, Vietnam — Former Brazilian international Denilson, once the world’s most expensive footballer, has signed to play for Haiphong Cement Football Club in Vietnam, state media reported Tuesday.
Denilson, a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning side, will play for Haiphong Cement for the second half of the V-League which resumes this month, the Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper said.
Thanh Nien said the club, which currently lies sixth in the 14-club V-League, will pay Denilson a monthly salary of between US$50,000 and US$60,000.
There are more than 100 foreign footballers, mostly from Asia, Africa and Europe playing in Vietnam, but Denilson is easily the most famous.
Denilson became the world’s most expensive player when he moved from Sao Paolo to Spain’s Real Betis in 1998.
Earlier this year, the 31-year-old forward, renowned for his flamboyant dribbling skills, was on trial with English Premier League club Bolton Wanderers after being released by Brazilian side Palmeiras.