Australian national team and Blauwvingers defender Trent Sainsbury is set to join Jiangsu Suning of the Chinese Super League and the footballer has his reasons for departing Netherland's glamorous Eredivisie.

According to Football Orange, Dutch football club Pec Zwolle has announced the exit of Sainsbury in the team to join the Jiangsu Suning of China.

Like Us on Facebook

The Asian Cup winning defender's departure has been expected. Sainsbuty, 24, officially sealed his move to China on Monday after  signing a three-year-deal with Jiangsu Suning. The deal is said to have a value of $1.5 million. The professional Australian football player is expected to join his new teammates for pre-season training in Spain on Thursday.

According to SBS, Sainsbury said he asked several former teammates in the Central Coast Mariners who had spells in China for tips and advice. He also admitted that the fact that former Romania and Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu is the current manager of the wealthy Chinese club was a major drawcard for his decision.

The Australia international said he is impressed by the bold ambition of the Chinese side to be among the pace-setters in China's premier league.

"Petrescu was always a positive [influence] and the club pushed hard to get me," he said.

Sainsbury said the generous offer of Jiangsu Suning will allow him to help his family and people closest to him. He added that he is determined to be a Socceroos mainstay even while playing in China.

"I'm determined to be a mainstay in the Socceroos team for many years to come." Sainsbury said.

Jiangsu Suning recently agreed to a $15 million deal to sign AC Milan striker Luiz Adriano, only for the move to break down in the last minute.

The wealthy outfit has also been associated with astonishing offers for Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, Roma's Ivorian striker Gervinho and Inter Milan's midfielder Fredy Guarin.

TagsTrent Sainsbury, Socceroos, PEC Zwolle, Jiangsu Suning FC