Brazil's Robinho controls the ball during the first round Copa America 2015 soccer match against Venezuela at Estadio Monumental David Arellano in Santiago, Chile, June 21, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's media have underlined the country's growing influence on Chinese football after Robinho ended weeks of speculation by joining Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday.

The signing, confirmed on Guangzhou's official website, means there are now 28 Brazilians playing in the Chinese Super League, just one short of the record set in 2012.

"In the last few years the number of Brazilians playing in China has risen and is now surpassing other traditional leagues," the Uol news service said.

Evergrande currently have six Brazilians on their books and are coached by the Selecao's 2002 World Cup-winning boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Robinho joins compatriots Elkeson, Ricardo Goulart, Alan, Rene Junior and Paulinho in Scolari's squad.