The wife of Napoli striker Dries Mertens has cooled talk of a move to China.

Mertens, 32, continues to be linked with a move to the Far East.

But Katrin Kerkhofs told Humo: “Towards the end of a football career, those kinds of clubs start doing the rounds. I understand that it's tempting.

“Dries says: 'We have to sacrifice one or two years, but after that our grandchildren will be financially secure.'

“To which I reply: 'And then? Those grandchildren won't have to work?' One or two years isn't nothing either.

“We're people who have to enjoy our social lives, the sun, terraces... I can't imagine that we'd be happy in China.

“On top of that, it'd be a long year. It could ruin things. You can never say never, and I have nothing against the people who choose to go on those adventures, but for now I'm winning our discussions.

“In addition: take me to Saudi Arabia - a country I already have reservations about with due to ethical objections - and I'll fly straight into prison!

“I'd unsuspectingly go out with bare shoulders and a cocktail: that's really me! But before my comments are picked up the foreign Press: this isn't an invitation for clubs to offer more money, is it?

“Stay away with your generous amounts!"