Everton Ribeiro has finally completed his transfer from Al Ahli to Flamengo.
The Brazilian playmaker, who joined the Dubai side from Cruzeiro in February 2015, has agreed to a four-year deal with the Rio de Janeiro club and will be presented to the media in his homeland on Tuesday. Although not yet announced, the fee is believed to be US$7 million (Dh25.7m).
Ribeiro, 28, had been expected to make the move for the past few weeks, with second leg of Asian Champions League last-16 clash against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli last week marking his final match for the UAE club.
Speaking to The National after that game, which Ahli lost 3-1 to exit the competition 4-2 on aggregate, Ribeiro said he wished to return to Brazil in an attempt to make the national team squad for next summer's World Cup. Brazil have already qualified for Russia.
“It’s a good chance for me, a big team in Brazil,” Ribeiro said last week. “And, if it gets done, I will be happy because I will have a chance to come back to my country and have a chance to play again for the national team.”
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Everton Ribeiro’s record at Al Ahli:
Appearances – 107; Goals – 26
Titles – 2014/15 Super Cup; 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League; 2016/17 Super Cup; 2016/17 Arabian Gulf Cup
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Capped 10 times by Brazil, Ribeiro has not represented his country since June 2015, when he was called up to the Copa America squad while playing for Ahli. The attacking midfielder enjoyed significant success with the Rashid Stadium side, winning four trophies, including the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League title. He was later named in that season’s team of the year.
Most recently, Ribeiro playing an integral role in Ahli’s Arabian Gulf Cup success this campaign, while he was one of the team’s standout contributors during their run to the 2015 Champions League final. Ahli lost the tie 1-0 on aggregate to China’s Guangzhou Evergrande.
“It has been a very good experience for me here,” Ribeiro said following the recent defeat to Ahli Jeddah. “If it’s finished, I hope all the best for Al Ahli because they make me happy and I made many friends here. Always I support Al Ahli now.”
Ribeiro’s departure adds to the uncertainty regarding the club next season. Last month, it was announced that Ahli would merge with Al Shabab and Dubai club to form Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club. A committee has been set up to determine the composition of the new entity and the framework with which to take it forward, with discussions ongoing.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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