New Dalian Yifang midfielder Marek Hamsik has admitted money is an important factor in his decision to switch to the Chinese Super League (CSL) during the club's pre-season training camp in Shanghai.

The Slovakian ended a 12-year stint with Serie A club SSC Napoli before he came to China on a three-year deal for a transfer fee in the region of 20 million euros (22.7 million U.S. dollars), with an apparent salary of 9 million euros (10.2 million U.S. dollars), three times the pay from his former club. 

The 31-year-old's new teammates include Yannick Carrasco of Belgium, Nicolas Gaitan of Argentina, and another new signing, Emmanuel Boateng of Ghana. 

Dalian Yifang finished 11th in the CSL last season having been promoted from China League One the previous year, and now the midfielder wants to kick on to help his side improve.

"Twelve years is a lot of time. I do it possible with the T-shirt of the Napoli. I love Napoli. They remain in my heart. But I have this possibility coming here. Also, the money they do is something important, but I am happy for this adventure. And I hope we can do it a good championship (CSL)," said Marek Hamsik.

"Do it better than last year. And I am here to help my teammates. And I heard the fans of Dalian, they are fantastic, and I want to see them."