Li Tie initially signed for the Blues on a 12-month loan deal in August 2002 as part of Everton's new sponsorship deal with electronics giant Kejian.

Following a string of impressive performances, the Chinese international signed a three-year deal with the Club in the summer of 2003.

Injuries and suspensions effectively cut short Li's career at Goodison and he was released by David Moyes in August 2006.

A versatile midfielder, he stayed in England, spending two seasons at Sheffield United, before returning to his homeland to join Chengdu Blades.

He later had a two-season spell with Liaoning Whowin before officially announcing his retirement from the game in the summer of 2011.