Hulk, a 29-year-old Brazilian international in the peak of his abilities, had been signed for more than £46 million by Shanghai SIPG manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and would earn reported wages of £320,000 per week.

A greeting arrangement of flowers was put into his arms as he strolled through arrivals, and a Shanghai SIPG scarf was placed over his neck.

Over the next three years, he was joined by other prominent personalities, all for far higher fees.

Oscar, the Chelsea star, arrived six months later. The transfer fee was estimated to be over £60 million, with his weekly salary estimated to be £400,000.