The former 'Mr Soccer of China' was a standout performer in Adelaide's inaugural A-League season, scoring seven goals and creating six others.

However, Qu managed just seven appearances for the Reds last season after suffering a serious ankle injury which required surgery last December.

Reds chief executive Michael Petrillo said the club parted with Qu on good terms and that the player would even represent the club in a marketing capacity when they took on Chinese champion Shandong Luneng.

"Unfortunately for Qu the last season hasn't gone as we would have liked due to persistent problems with his ankle," said Petrillo.

"However we all know that at his best he was a terrific contributor to the club and the league as he showed in his first season," he said.

Some of Qu's highlights included the winning goal as Adelaide defeated New Zealand at the Hindmarsh to break a two month winless streak at its home stadium in late 2005, while a sublime chipped goal in a 4-2 thrashing of Queensland will be long remembered by the South Australian faithful.

Melbourne Victory has signed former Adelaide wing-back Matthew Kemp.

The 26-year-old, who was a regular starter under former Reds coach John Kosmina, comes to the Hyundai A-League Champions on a two-year agreement.

"Matthew is very quick; a good defender with excellent attacking attributes as well," Melbourne Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said

"Not only were we looking for solid defensive players, but we wanted players who could create problems for the opposition going forward, and we firmly believe Matthew Kemp and Joseph Keenan can provide this for us on both sides of the park."

Kemp, who marries this week, said he was looking forward to the challenge at the Victory.

"It's certainly going to be a big change for us, but my fiancée and I are looking forward to the move. We've been to Melbourne many times and love it there," Kemp said. "As for the football side of it, there's no doubting Melbourne is a great club. I've got loads of respect for them and what they've achieved."

Kemp said he was particularly looking forward to linking up with Ljubo Milicevic, who he played with at the Australian Institute of Sport.

"Ljubo and I had some great battles on the training track at the AIS. We had a really good time together in our stint there and it was great to play with him. He's gone on to achieve great things in his career since then, including earning selection for the Qantas Socceroos, and I'm sure we can both be successful at Melbourne," he said.

Sportal