The astonishing amount of money Ezequiel Lavezzi earned during his time in China

Ezequiel Lavezzi became the highest-paid player in the history of the Chinese Super League when he joined Hebei China Fortune in 2016.

A few years back, the CSL became an absolute hotbed for elite talent and had the same pull as the Saudi Pro League does currently.

Chinese sides weren't afraid to splash the cash and some of the players earning big bucks in the Far East included Marouane Fellaini, Paulinho, Stephan El Shaarawy, Hulk, Carlos Tevez and Oscar.

But it was Lavezzi who earned more than the rest of the pack when he signed from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine's wages were a reported £798,000 a week, which meant he raked in a whopping £41.5 million a year.

Lavezzi spent three years in China, playing 75 times and finding the net on 35 occasions.

He ended up announcing his retirement at the end of November in 2019 but only after making around £165 million.

Broken down, Lavezzi effectively made £2.2 million per game and £4.7 million for every goal he scored.

Image: Getty

During his time in China he did court controversy for an eye-slitting gesture which was deemed to be racist.

Claiming he did the pose on the instructions of the photographer, he issued a full apology.

"Per the request of the Chinese Super League, we took the official photos for the season," Lavezzi said.

"We were given instructions by the official photographer and I was trying to make some interesting photos by making some funny faces, which would be used afterwards for entertainment purposes.

"I had no intention of insulting the Chinese people and did not do it with any bad intentions.

"I'm very happy to be here as part of the Hebei club. I have had a great time here with my team-mates and it has been a great journey. Every Chinese person around me is friendly and I love my life here.

"I deeply apologise if this photo has offended the Chinese public and fans. I will be more careful in the future."