After a whirlwind transfer - Eto'o was playing in Turkey a week ago - the beaming 37-year-old striker was presented by Qatar Sports Club, his 13th side, at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday.

The four-time African player of the year said he had spoken to his ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan colleagues before committing to the one-year contract, and they convinced him to play in Qatar.

"Xavi and Sneijder are best friends," said Eto'o.

"Before I came to Qatar I spoke to them and they told me to seize the experience and that it is good to play here."

Xavi has played in Qatar with Al Sadd since 2015 while Sneijder plays for Al Gharafa.

August 26

Islamic Republic of Iran international Saman Ghoddos has signed a five-year contract with French side Amiens SC.

The Swedish-born Iranian began his professional career in Sweden's Division 1 Limhamn Bunkeflo in 2011 and Trelleborg in 2013 before progressing to the Superettan a year later with Syrianska.

The 19-year-old arrived in the United Kingdom on Wednesday to finalise the terms of the transfer.

One of the brightest young talents to have emerged from Australian football in recent years, Arzani became the youngest ever player to be named in a FIFA World Cup squad for the Australia national team when he travelled to Russia this summer.

He was also the youngest player in the tournament, and came on as a substitute in the latter stages of the Socceroos group stage game against France.

Muto has signed an initial four-year contract at St. James’ Park after leaving Bundesliga side Mainz 05 – for whom he appeared against the Magpies in last summer’s friendly in Germany.

He becomes the fifth player to link up with Newcastle ahead of the new English Premier League campaign, following the permanent arrivals of Martin Dúbrvaka, Ki Sung-yueng and Fabian Schär, and the loan capture of Robert Kenedy.

Speaking about his move, Muto said: “I am very happy to be a player for Newcastle United. I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans.

“As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club. I hope to achieve good results – that is what I am here to do. I would like to perform well and leave my name in Newcastle’s history.”

On his way to a second division German club, Lee said he's determined to prove he's made the right choice.

"I've always dreamt of playing overseas, and I felt I was at a point where I needed a challenge in my career," Lee said in a video message released by Jeonbuk. "I wanted to test myself against foreign players."

Lee said he made "an extremely difficult decision" to leave Jeonbuk and added he has nothing but fond memories from his time with the K League 1 club.

"I know I've chosen to go down a difficult path," Lee added. "I'll try to compete with the pride of a K League MVP and prove that I've made the right move."

The glitzy opening ceremony on Wednesday saw top officials of the Qatar Stars League Management (QSLM), team players, club coaches and members of the local media among the attendees.

The QNB Stars League will kick off a few weeks earlier than usual to accommodate the Qatar national team’s international assignments that includes the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 to be played in January next year.

Eight clubs remain in contention for the AFC Champions League, while a further seven are looking to lift the AFC Cup. With the continent's two biggest club competitions to resume in August, the-AFC.com takes a look at some summer signings who have helped deliver success so soon after joining.