FORMER Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu has joined Qatari side Al Rayyan on an 18-month deal after leaving Guangzhou R&F in China.

The Nigerian national scored 18 goals in his one season at Rovers, although it was not enough to prevent the club from being relegated from the Premier League.

Yakubu moved to China that summer but has now made the move to the Middle East.

“I heard Qatar has a very strong league and Rayyan are a prestigious club,” the 31-year-old said.

“When I learned Rayyan wanted me, I decided to try something new and made the move.

“I want to train hard and help the team win games and to target winning the league title.”