Midfielder Li Ke has joined Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua as a free agent, the Shanghai side announced on Wednesday.

Li Ke (C) of Beijing Guoan breaks through during the 13th round match against Qingdao Hainiu at the Chinese Super League (CSL), on May 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

"As a versatile midfielder good at both attack and defense, Li Ke's arrival will further strengthen Shenhua's midfield and enrich the team's tactics," the Shanghai club said in a statement, without giving any detail about his contract.

The 31-year-old player, known as Nicholas Yennaris before being naturalized, just finished his six-year stint at Beijing Guoan.

He posted a statement on social media on Tuesday, confirming his departure from the Beijing club.

"It's time to say goodbye. The six years I spent at Beijing Guoan are extraordinary for me," he wrote in Chinese.

Since joining Beijing Guoan in January 2019, Li has made 98 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and eight assists.

He also has been capped 12 times by the Chinese national team since 2019.