Manuel Pellegrini has revealed he turned down offers from several clubs in Europe to sign a three-year contract with Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss was officially unveiled as the head coach of his new club on Sunday, just a day after watching Hebei lose 3-0 to reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
Hebei are currently in fifth place in the standings after a disappointing run of results saw the club terminate the contract of former coach Li Tie last month when the team fell out of contention for the title.
"I received offers from several European clubs, but I have been attracted by Hebei once they showed me their plan," Pellegrini told reporters. "It is a club with high expectations and a long-term plan. I will devote all I have to Hebei and help the club to complete a three-year plan.
"China is the sixth country I have coached in and my three-year contract with Hebei is just the first step. I hope to lead the team to the destination of beautiful football while scoring lots of goals and playing an attacking style.
"China is in a golden age of football development and my time here is to bring Hebei to another level. I know we are facing a lot of difficulties, but we will manage. There are only six or seven rounds left for this season so my strategy is mid and long-term. Next season, I plan to make this team one of the best in China."
Hebei have invested heavily in on-field talent, with the club making Ezequiel Lavezzi one of the world's highest-paid players after signing him from Paris Saint-Germain, while also picking up Gervinho, Gael Kakuta and Stephane Mbia.
"We expect to win the domestic championship within the next three to five years," club chairman Ye Jun said. "Then we want to win international titles."