The "White Witch Doctor" made a big decision soon after he took over Chinese club Shenzhen Ruby - he switched Li Yi from a striker to an assistant coach in March, when the 32-year-old said he was still desperate to be on the pitch.

It was a difficult move for Philippe Troussier, as the club had already used up its transfer quota for domestic players in the league.

In accordance with the regulations of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), each team in the Chinese Super League can get five domestic players and five foreign players in the transfer market.