Kenwyne Jones says the opportunity to join Al Jazira on a six-month loan was too good to refuse.
The Trinidad and Tobago forward, 31, signed for the Arabian Gulf League club from Cardiff City on Tuesday in a deal that runs until the end of the season. He attended Jazira training on Tuesday night.
Jones replaces Mirko Vucinic, the Montenegrin who was ruled out for the 2015/16 campaign after injuring his knee in November.
Speaking on his Facebook page, Jones said: “I am really appreciative of the opportunity to have worked with a great team at Cardiff, and to play in front of some of the most passionate fans in Wales. This decision was made based on the opportunities presented to me.
Babel to Turkey, Sow to stay at Ahli? Five potential AGL transfers this January
“I would like to say thank you the Bluebird staff and players — I wish them all success in their future endeavours. I also extend a special thank you to the amazing Bluebird supporters. It has really been my absolute pleasure, and I will never forget you.”
Jones signed for Cardiff, who play in The Championship in England, in January 2014, scoring 19 goals in 67 appearances. He previously played in the Premier League with Sunderland and Stoke City.
Jazira will hope Jones will prove a success at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, particularly since the club currently languish 10th in the UAE top flight following a poor start to the season.
Manager Abel Braga parted company with the Abu Dhabi side last month and was replaced by Henk Ten Cate, the former Ajax and Panathinaikos coach.
The Dutchman should have two new recruits to help his new side climb the league, with Angel Lafita, the Spanish winger, having agreed to join the club from Getafe. Lafita, 31, was also in attendance at training on Tuesday and seems most likely to take the place in the squad of Thiago Neves.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Asia Cup Qualifier
Final
UAE v Hong Kong
TV:
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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Results:
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes
8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
FA CUP FINAL
Chelsea 1
Hazard (22' pen)
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)