Graziano Pelle has started to pay back to millions that have been splashed out to get him to China by scoring his first goal for Shandong Luneng.

The Italian striker moved to the Far East from Saints for £13m earlier this month.

His pay packet has also been the subject of much speculation, with estimates of his salary varying from £115,000 a week all the way up to virtually double that.

Pelle was left frustrated at the end of his first game for Shandong, but bagged his first goal for the club three minutes from time as they defeated Hangzhou Greentown 4-1.

The 31-year-old headed home a right wing cross from 12 yards after being left unmarked in the middle of the area.

Former Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse also scored.

It was certainly a welcome win for Shandong, managed by former Fulham boss Felix Magath, who started the game third from bottom in the Chinese Super League table.

Daily Echo: