Salomon Rondon has bid farewell to English football by issuing a goodbye message to West Brom fans following his switch to Chinese club Dalian Yifang.

The Venezuelan posted the statement on his Twitter account following West Brom's confirmation that the move had been agreed to end Rondon's four-year association with the Baggies.

Rondon spent last season on loan at Newcastle United, but before this he had made a sizeable contribution at the The Hawthorns by netting 28 goals in 120 appearances for the club.

He then continued to shine with the Magpies last term by scoring 12 times in 33 appearances under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, and the duo will now link up again at Dalian Yifang next season.

Rondon posted his farewell message on Friday morning:

When addressing his spell at the Baggies, Rondon said he felt "very grateful" for the affection he felt from the supporters since his arrival at the club and he also thanked the club for bringing him to English football.

The Verdict

It is certainly a blow for the Baggies to lose a player of Rondon's quality, but I think most supporters would have already anticipated his departure.

The striker was one of the driving forces behind Newcastle's survival effort last season with his 12 goals, so it is no surprise that clubs are prepared to pay big money for him.

He is a player who is probably too good to be plying his trade in the Championship, especially seeing as he is now entering the peak years for a striker.

It is now important that West Brom reinvest the fee received for Rondon on a new striker, as they have also lost Jay Rodriguez to Burnley this summer and now need a clinical frontman who can spearhead a promotion push.