Argentinean midfielder Dario Conca (C) poses with his new jersey with Liu Yongzhuo (L), president of the Guangzhou Evergrande football club, and Guangzhou's head coach Lee Jang-soo, during a press conference in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, July 12, 2011.[Photo/titan24.com]

Argentine midfielder Conca's annual salary was up to $7 million, said Liu Yongzhuo, president of Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old joined the Chinese club with $10 million and signed a deal of three and a half years.

Conca, who made his debut for Argentina's River Plate in 2003, joined the Chinese club from Brazilian side Fluminense, where he scored 9 goals and dished out 19 assists in 2010 and was elected for two consecutive seasons MVP of Brazilian league in 2009 and 2010.

Conca, who was unveiled by Guangzhou to more than 100 fans and media at a press conference, said he felt proud about his new team.

"I am feeling very proud of becoming a member of Guangzhou, which is a strong team in Chinese Super League," Conca said.

But the club knew they had gone through a rocky way to acquire the star. "Three flights to Brazil and after a long time waiting, we finally signed him," Said Liu.

Conca is certainly not enough for the ambitious Guangzhou side, who believed the deal only marked their first step to build a world-class football team.

"We aim at Asian champions league title, and the next will be the world champions,"said Liu.

Guangzhou Evergrande, the newly-promoted Chinese Super League team, are enjoying their unbeaten record at the league table.

Before the $10 million deal, the big-spending club had already signed two Brazilians - Muriqui for $3.5 million and Cleo for 3.2 million euros ($4.5 million) last year.