Cologne - Cologne have released midfielder Roda Antar to China's first-division side Shandong Luneng, the Bundesliga club said Friday.

The 28-year-old Lebanese player leaves with immediate effect for an undisclosed fee. German media reports had said Cologne were hoping to receive around 1 million euros (1.29 million dollars) for the player.

Antar had lost his place in the Cologne side after promotion this season from the second division. (dpa)