The Hunter hitman had been at the centre of speculation for the last 24 hours after he was left out of the Newcastle squad flying to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix tomorrow night.

He was linked with a lucrative move back to China after his two previous seasons with Beijing Guoan before rejoining Newcastle last season.

This afternoon the Jets confirmed Griffiths was leaving immediately to join his new Chinese League One side, in the city where he is still worshipped by Guoan fans.

The club said it was in response to a request from the player to release him from the last year-plus of his contract but it is understood there was a transfer fee involved.

The exact figure was undisclosed by Griffiths's agent Ante Alilovic said on Twitter that the Griffiths brothers had collectively brought in more than $1 million in total for the Newcastle Jets.

“It is disappointing to lose a player like Ryan but we didn’t want to stand in his way when making this move was important for his family,” Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.

“Any transfer decision is case-by-case, and as Ryan has been weighing up a move to China for some time, we understand his decision.

“Ryan has been a great player for the club and we wish him well at Beijing Baxi.”

Griffiths departs the Jets after playing 55 games for the club.

“This was a hard decision because I love this Club and town but I needed to consider my young family and do what is best for them, and right now that is going to play in China,” Griffiths said.

“I will always appreciate the management of the Jets for supporting me at this point in my career.

“One of the great things about the Club is that at any time you can sit down, talk about your problems or opportunities and they will discuss it and attempt to come up with the best scenario or outcome for all concerned.”

Coach Gary van Egmond said he was disappointed to lose Griffiths but understands his decision.

He added: “While our preference was for Ryan to stay, we understand at 32 years of age, going over to China now secures his family financially."