Madrid, Jan 5 (IANS): Spanish football club Getafe coach Cosmin Contra has confirmed that he is leaving the Madrid-based club to sign for Chinese side Guangzhou.

The transfer will mean Getafe are paid a fair sum of money in compensation for the departure of the Romanian, who earlier in the week had appeared to imply he was only leaving Getafe as the deal would be financially positive for the club, reported Xinhua.

However, speaking at a press conference alongside Getafe President, Angel Torres following the 1-2 home defeat to Rayo Vallecano Sunday, Contra was at pains to stress this was not the case.

"I want to thank the president for giving me the chance to coach in the Primera Liga and also the players. I want to make it clear that there has been a story which said I didn't want to leave, but that is not true," said Contra, who had also spent time at the club as a player.

"If I was not excited (at the chance of coaching in China), I would not be leaving," he insisted.

"I am leaving a great club, which has been my home, but I leave with high hopes for a great experience in a new competition."

"I am young, I want to work hard and to achieve big things," said Contra.

The Spanish press reports he will earn five times his current salary when he joins Guangzhou, but Contra admitted he hoped to return to Getafe at some stage in the future.

"I have no doubt that I would be delighted to come back to my home and the president (Torres) knows that. If he wants me, we will work together again," he added.