Kallon, 31, told Chinese newspapers that as money was not an issue for him it was easy to turn down Bunyodkor as the Sierra Leonean pursued his life-long dream of playing in the East.

"I am rich enough to live comfortably anywhere. I have long wanted to come to most populous country in the world to play football. I want to start afresh here and bring back what I learn in China back to my home country," said Kallon.

Kallon said he was not tempted by Bunyodkor’s lucrative offer to change his mind.

"I received a phone call from Bunyodkor immediately after I touched down at the Shanghai Pudong Airport. They offered me USD 2 million annually.

"But, like I said, money is the least of my concerns when it comes to my transfer. I have committed myself to Shaanxi and Chinese football and I am not someone who likes to break his promise," said Kallon.

"Even if I want to, my wife won’t allow me to. I don’t want to upset her. She loves China a lot and she has always encouraged me to test myself in a different continent."

The father of two has signed a one year contract with Shaanxi after which he goes back home to keep his promise to the Sierra Leone FA to develop the domestic league.

The prolific African striker has a high profile CV as he has played for the likes of Tadamon Sour (Lebanon), Inter Milan (Italy), Bologna (Italy), Genoa (Italy), Cagliari (Italy), Reggina (Italy), Vicenza (Italy), Monaco (France), Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia), AEK Athens (Greece) and Al Shabab (UAE) in his long and glittering career.

Kallon, who top scored to help Al Ittihad won the AFC Champions League title in 2005, has some advice for Chinese football.

"Chinese football is still behind Europe and is still not on par with some Asian counterparts. The leagues are the foundation of any country’s football development. I believe the CSL can help to improve Chinese football.

"Chinese clubs are financially stable in general. The players should play better and not disappoint thousands of fans."

With the signing of Kallon and several current and former Chinese internationals such as Sun Jihai, Mao Jianqing, Qu Bo, Yu Hai, Zhao Xuri and Li Yi in the ranks, the unfancied Shaanxi have suddenly become the favourites to win this year’s CSL.

Coached by ex-Chinese national team coach Zhu Guanghu, Shaanxi, dubbed ‘China’s Real Madrid’ this year, finished 12th out of 16 teams in 2009.

Zhu hailed the signing of Kallon but refused to accept the tag of title favourites.

"Despite the media frenzy I don’t think we are championship material just yet. We need to be more consistent."

"Having said that, I believe Kallon is the final piece of the jigsaw. His appearance on the pitch alone is already a big boost for the players. He is experienced, can hold the ball, dribble, good in the air and both feet...an outstanding talent."