The sharp decline of Dong Fangzhuo is a story to evidence how ruthless modern football can be.
Becoming the first East Asian player to be signed by Manchester United in 2004, the striker left that high point to endure a demoralising career that took him through disparate spells in Poland, Armenia, and back home to China.
Recently the former striker, who retired before turning 30, popped up on Chinese television in search of a fresh identity, physically as well as mentally, as he underwent facial surgery to halt the mockery he faced on a daily basis as a footballing failure.
While at United, Dong was prevented from playing early on due to work permit rules and was loaned to Belgian side Royal Antwerp for two years before earning his first start almost three years after signing, away to Chelsea in a 0-0 draw.
Turning out just twice more for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, his contract was terminated at the start of the 2008/09 season and his descent truly began, originally earning an 18-month contract with Legia Warsaw that led him nowhere slowly.
When outcast by the Poles, Fangzhuo turned to Cristiano Ronaldo, his former teammate in Manchester who nudged the striker towards Portuguese club Portimonense, giving him a short-term contract that was once again unproductive with Dong quitting the game just three years later.