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Frank Acheampong defends China move

Frank Acheampong of Anderlecht AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Ghana international Frank Acheampong has defended his decision to leave Anderlecht for a move to the Chinese Super League, and has reaffirmed his desire to play in England one day.

Despite being linked with the likes of Liverpool in recent transfer windows, the 23-year-old completed a move to Tianjin TEDA on July 13, putting pen to paper on a deal which will see him spend six months in the Far East.

In an interview with Le Derniere Heure, Acheampong has explained why he opted to leave the Jupiler League heavyweights and move to China.

"I can understand why people are asking questions about my decision," he told the Belgian source, "but it was a great offer.

"I'm also thinking of my family and friends in choosing to come here, and Anderlecht received a lot of money thanks to me."

The versatile wideman is no stranger to playing in some of world football's outposts, having joined Anderlecht from Thai side Buriram United in 2013.

He spent just over two years in Thailand, after learning his trade with Ghanaian sides King Faisal Babes and Berekum Chelsea.

"I'm only 23," he added. "I choice to come and play in China at this point in my career, but that doesn't mean that I'll never return to Europe.

"I still have the ambition of going and playing in England one day."

Acheampong made his Ghana debut in August 2012 and has steadily established himself in the squad, becoming a regular feature in Black Stars sides under Avram Grant.

The wideman was employed as an emergency left-back during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following an injury to Abdul Rahman Baba, and largely excelled in the role as the West African heavyweights reached the semifinals.