Caio Canedo, Al Wasl's Brazil-born forward, made his 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League debut for the club in Monday's 2-0 derby defeat at Al Nasr. He spoke to the press after the match at Al Maktoum Stadium.
Delayed start:
Caio’s first outing of the new season came in the league’s third round. He missed the opening few weeks because he was acquiring East Timor citizenship and therefore now qualifies as Wasl’s Asian representative. Caio, who excelled last season on loan from Brazil’s Internacional, signed a multi-year contract with the Dubai club in July.
On his return:
“It felt good. I would trade everything for a win, but fortune didn’t come. I leave with my head up, as I gave my best as I always do. We win together and lose together. I felt good and played the full 90 minutes. When I wasn’t playing, I was working even on my days off. In the position I play, I have to help in defence and offence.”
On his new deal:
“I love being a permanent player here. The fans always showed their support, from day one. For me, I signed for five years but I would have signed for 10. The love they have given me is very important. I am very happy to wear this Wasl shirt. The fans can be sure we will do great things this year.”
On new teammate Edgar Bruno:
“Edgar is a new player and we are trying to understand each other up front. With [Fabio] Lima, we already know each other very well. With Edgar, we are working on it. I have trained with the first XI only for one week. We need some time and we will work hard to make it happen.”
On Wasl’s threat up front:
“It is a strong line-up in attack, with me, Lima and Edgar, with Hugo Viana in behind. I will give my best to make this work as fast as possible. You can work on it in training, but it is different in the game. There are no excuses, Al Wasl have to fight at the top.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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