Christian Vieri comes out of retirement at 43-years-old to cash in on Chinese Super League riches
Former Inter Milan marksman was once the world's most expensive player with a £32m price tag way back in 1999
CHRISTIAN VIERI is creeping out of retirement at 43-years-old to lace up his shooting slippers for a Chinese side.
The former Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Inter Milan man hung up his boots in 2009 but has been lured back in to action for the crazy money on offer in the Far East.
In 1999 he became the world’s most expensive player when Inter paid Lazio £32million for his goal-scoring services. And he repaid the San Siro side with 103 Serie A goals in 143 appearances.
The forward won his only Serie A title at the end of the 1996-97 season with Juve and the 1998-99 Uefa Cup Winners Cup with Lazio.
In his nomadic career the frontman played for 12 clubs and will be making it a baker’s dozen when he moves to the Chinese Super League.
Since giving up the beautiful game the prolific finisher has run his own fashion label with former team-mate and Italy legend Paulo Maldini and opened a handful of restaurants.
Judging by his Instagram page – where he announced the news of his impending return – he has been enjoying an indulgent lifestyle with holidays galore.
Even during his playing days he lived the high life, romancing a string of supermodels like Elisabetta Canalis, Elena Santarelli, Fernanda Lessa and Melissa Satta.
The veteran has admitted he still has to shift some weight to get match fit for his yet-to-be-named club.
He said: “Good morning everyone. There's huge news on the Formentera broadcast: Bobo is back, I've decided to go play in China.
“Five months ago I weighed 101kg, now I'm at 91kg, I've lost 10. I must drop another two, reach 89kg and I'm ready. Have a nice day.”
The mature finisher will be joining up with ex-Chelsea man Ramires, who was recently sent off and chased the referee.
As well as Southampton's former striker Graziano Pelle and Demba Ba who recently suffered a horrific broken leg.