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Pelle leaves Southampton for China

Pelle leaves Southampton for China

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Italy's Graziano Pelle celebrates after scoring his sideu0092s second goal during the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match between Italy and Spain, at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Monday, June 27, 2016. Photo: AP/File

SOUTHAMPTON: Italy striker Graziano Pelle left Southampton to join Chinese team Shandong Luneng on Monday. Southampton announced the transfer, saying Pelle has moved for an undisclosed fee. The 30-year-old Pelle was at Southampton for two seasons, scoring 30 goals in 81 games and gaining international recognition from Italy. He was Italy's first-choice striker at the European Championship. Later Monday, Southampton completed the signing of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract. The 20-year-old Denmark international spent last season on loan at Schalke.