Al Wahda’s Jorge Valdivia says ‘nothing has changed’ since winning Copa America

Valdivia, 31, said a return to the Arabian Gulf League had always been on his radar after his two-season spell at Al Ain from 2008 to 2010. Al Wahda officially introduced the Chile playmaker at Al Nahyan Stadium, writes Amith Passela.

Al Wahda's new signing Jorge Valdivia was unveilved by the club on August 23, 2015. Al Ittihad

ABU DHABI // Jorge Valdivia will not let success go to his head after arriving at Al Wahda this summer with a Copa America winners medal in his collection.

Valdivia was part of the Chile team who beat Argentina on penalties in the final of this summer’s South American tournament, which took place in Chile.

“Winning the Copa America has elevated the national team to a new level and the country’s football in general,” said the Chile playmaker when he was presented as a Wahda player to the media on Sunday at Al Nahyan Stadium.

“But on a personal note I still live my own life with my wife and kids, and play at the same level, so nothing has changed for me.”

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Valdivia, 31, said a return to the Arabian Gulf League had always been on his radar after his two-season spell at Al Ain from 2008 to 2010, winning the President’s Cup, the league cup, and the Super Cup. He nearly joined Fujairah at the start of last season.

“I know this country well and the way of life. My family enjoyed the wonderful lifestyle we had at Al Ain. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to return to the UAE,” he said.

“I had several offers from various clubs around the world but decided to join Wahda when the offer was made.

“I had so many other options, but when I got the call from Wahda I had no doubts. When I got the call from Wahda management, they made it clear they were very interested in me.

“I know the league, I know the city and I know the country. My family is very happy to be here. That was also important.”

He added: “The league has also grown to a new level since I last played here.”

Dr Jamal Al Hosani, a member of the club’s board of directors, said they pulled off a coup with Valdivia’s signing.

“For us, it was a big plus,” he said. “Everybody knows Valdivia. His abilities were shown in the Copa America.

“Big clubs were looking at him and we were fortunate to have him sign for us. He will be a big draw for both Wahda and Middle East football.”

Valdivia’s fitness will be assessed before he makes his debut for Wahda.

His arrival was delayed as his Brazilian club, Palmeiras, did not want him to leave until his contract ended on August 17.

Al Hosani said Valdivia’s debut for Wahda “is a technical question” which “only the coach”, Javier Aguirre, can answer. Wahda’s next match is against capital rivals Al Jazira in an Arabian Gulf Cup opener on Friday.

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