DUBAI // Former Al Ain star Jorge Valdivia is set for a return to the Arabian Gulf League, with reports in Brazil and Chile stating he has agreed on a three-year deal with promoted club Al Fujairah.
A member of the Chile squad at the World Cup, Valdivia already announced his departure from Brazilian club Palmeiras, where he spend the past four years since moving there from Al Ain.
“I am and will always be grateful to the fans, the club, the people who always supported me at all times,” Valdivia said on his Instagram page.
“Words cannot explain what this club means in my life, and not just football. I talk about life, six years that gave me good experiences and bad – the obstacles, the kidnappings, the assaults.”
Two years ago, Valdivia was kidnapped by a gunman in Perdizes, a neighbourhood of Sao Paulo.
“My future is in another club from now, but my admiration for Palmeiras is for life,” Valdivia said, without identifying his destination. “I would have loved to continue here until I am old, but the club needs money. So I hope you understand me and know that I will be eternally grateful to you.”
Fujairah, who were second in Division One last year, have shown plenty of ambition as they build for the new season.
The club have already hired former Al Ain and Hamburg striker Boubacar Sanogo and Ghana midfielder Charles Takyi, while retaining Lebanese midfielder Hassan Maatouk. According to media reports in Brazil, Fujairah will pay US$7.5 million (Dh27.6m) for Valdivia, who was a star for Al Ain for two years beginning in 2008.
Ricardo Gareca, the Palmeiras coach, confirmed Valdivia was on his way out in a recent interview with Globosporte. The Chilean had one year left on his contract and was eligible to leave in January, so Palmeiras cashed in.
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