ANKARA

Spanish football club Sevilla defender Daniel Carrico moved to China's Wuhan Zall on Thursday, a risky decision for him as Wuhan, the epicenter of the new coronavirus, has been under quarantine.

"Sevilla FC and Wuhan Zall FC of the Chinese Super League have reached an agreement for the transfer of Portuguese defender Daniel Carriço," Sevilla said on their website and wished Carrico good luck in his new chapter.

"Sevilla FC thanks the defender for his dedication over the last few years and wishes him the very best of luck as he embarks on a new challenge."

The 31-year-old Sevilla vice-captain had 167 appearances for the Andalusian club since July 2013, winning UEFA Europa League titles in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

In January, China postponed nationwide football matches over the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak last December.

The Chinese Football Association previously said that it put off the 2020 football season at all levels to protect the health of fans, clubs, players, coaches, referees, and media staff from pandemic virus.

China has been one of the top destinations for famous football players in their thirties, who aim to earn high amount of salaries in the final years of their careers.

Death toll in China climbs to 2,120

Meanwhile, the death toll in China from the coronavirus outbreak has climbed to 2,120.

The disease has spread to at least 25 countries including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.

Many countries, including Turkey, evacuated their citizens from Wuhan and other affected areas of China, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak an international health emergency.