Lima says the financial package offered by Al Ahli was simply too good to refuse after he transferred to the Arabian Gulf League club from Benfica last Friday.
The Brazilian striker, 32, became Ahli’s first major signing of the summer to conclude the club’s protracted search for a top-class centre forward.
Lima conceded it was a difficult decision to leave Benfica, where he had enjoyed a hugely successful three-year spell in which he twice won the Portuguese Primeira Liga. In 144 appearances in all competitions, the former Sporting Braga frontman scored 70 goals.
However, Lima insisted that, given the stage of his career and the rewards provided by Ahli, that he could not turn down the opportunity to move to the Dubai club.
Ahli are believed to have paid Benfica around €7 million (Dh28.4m), with Lima to earn a reported €3m per year. He signed a two-year deal with the option for another season.
Speaking to Benfica’s official channel, Lima said: “I feel awkward at having to say goodbye. I have a certain sadness, because I experienced great times at Benfica – but that’s life.
“This proposal appeared and it happened super fast. I think most fans will understand – the financial side carried a heavy weight. I will not be a hypocrite: I’m 32 – no boy – and with it being a short career I had to take it.
“Also, Dubai is a good place to live. I will be professional and dedicate myself as I dedicated myself at Benfica.”
Lima joins compatriots Everton Ribeiro and Ciel at Ahli, with Kwon Kyung-won and Oussama Assaidi also on the Rashid Stadium books. Assaidi is expected to make way for the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League season.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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