The 27-year-old Chinese midfielder is preparing for his second crack at the A-League following a brief spell in Auckland with the now defunct Knights.

Gao, who has joined his new teammates for training after a spell in Finland’s Premier League, is not the bulkiest of players and plans to fill out with the help of the country’s meat before the start of the new season.

Lamb and beef proved a big hit on his plate during his first spell in the country and he's planning to tuck in once more.

He clearly has a sense of humour and has done his homework in terms of New Zealand’s business and exports.

His interpreter revealed: “He said he’s interested in other business in New Zealand that could be transferred to China, for example, sheep shearing."

“Very fast,” Gao said as he mimicked a shearer.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, who coached Gao for five matches at the Knights, is thrilled to have finally landed his man on a one-year deal at the Westpac Stadium.

He said: “I think his pace is technically very good, he’s a great crosser of the ball I’m delighted to get him, I think he'll add a new dimension to what we had last year.”

Gao will be handed a swift chance for a trip home with the Phoenix finalising a pre-season tour to China in June.