Caio hopes to add more Brazilian flair at Al Wasl

Brazilian midfielder unveiled at Dubai club, reports John McAuley.

Caio, left, will be wearing an Al Wasl shirt in the Arabian Gulf League this season. Felipe Oliveira / Getty Images

Caio, the Brazilian attacking midfielder, signed a one-year loan deal at Al Wasl on Wednesday, completing the club’s foreign contingent for the 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League season. He was introduced yesterday alongside Wasl coach and compatriot, Jorginho.

Fitting in already

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Caio, who joined from Internacional, a Brazilian Serie A team. “When I knew Al Wasl were interested, I accepted right away. I came to the club [on Wednesday] and everyone received me very well. I have already made a lot of friends.”

To better previous season

“I know Wasl is a big club, that it gives you all the structure a professional needs to perform his best football. I hope I can shine here, too, score goals and help the coach and help Wasl have a good season this year. I came here to do my best. Wasl didn’t have a great season last year, so I hope this year changes. Our team is much stronger and we have everything to do a great season this year.”

AGL’s reputation

“I already knew it was a very tough competition, because you have players from all over the world competing. [Al Ain’s] Asamoah Gyan, who we play against on Saturday, is a big player, and Matias Defederico, who played against us [with Al Dhafra] in the first round, is a great player from Argentina. But our team’s strong, too.”

Brazilian bonhomie

“Obviously, it’s very helpful to have a Brazilian staff and other Brazilian players. The coach has strong experience with being a former Brazil national-team player and then assistant coach. But everyone will contribute to the success of Al Wasl, not only the Brazilian players and staff.”

Coach thrilled

“I am very happy to sign Caio, I waited a long time for this,” Jorginho said. “I know Caio since he began his career some time ago at Volta Redonda. He’s a great player and also a great professional, the kind of player who can finish, who is also very quick and technical. And besides that he can speak English, so he will be helping me to better translate my message to the other players.”

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