DUBAI // Mirel Radoi hopes his experience will ensure that Al Ahli retain their position at the top of UAE football after signing a two-year contract with the club.
The Romanian, released by Al Ain earlier this summer, was introduced at the Rashid Stadium Tuesday night.
He is the first signing of what the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) champions characterized as a sustained commitment to build on their 2013/14 success, when they lifted their first championship in five years. They also clinched the League Cup.
Radoi, 33, will work under Cosmin Olaroiu, the Ahli coach, at a fourth different club, having been a key component of his compatriot’s success at Steaua Bucharest, Al Hilal and Al Ain.
Understandably, Radoi cited the relationship as one of the main reasons for joining Ahli.
“I know exactly what he wants, he knows exactly what to ask from me, and it’s easy to communicate with him,” Radoi said.
“I’m happy to be part of this club, happy to be player of this team. I hope in the future we continue to make history for this club.”
The acquisition extends Ahli’s senior foreign contingent to five players for the four allocated spots.
While the club refused to confirm which expatriate would make way, there is a strong sense that Hugo Viana, the Portuguese midfielder, will depart. Grafite, Luis Jimenez, and Ciel represent the squad’s other foreigner players.
“Radoi didn’t come to take anyone’s place,” Olaroiu said.
“I’ve still not made a decision to let Hugo go, so we’ll wait until the last date of registering players to choose our final squad. Radoi’s an important player because, first of all, he’s a coach on the field.
“He’s not only a player who can play, he takes many decisions on the field and can help the younger players.”
At Al Ain, Radoi became an important cog in Olaroiu’s title-winning side, playing 74 matches across three seasons with the Garden City club.
He twice clinched the league crown, while last May he secured the President’s Cup, too.
A tenacious and talented midfielder, he often performed as Al Ain’s captain.
He said his leadership qualities can guide Ahli’s crop of gifted young Emiratis.
“The other players with more experience and I can help them grow up in same mentality and we have to know we should never give up,” Radoi said.
“I’ll try to put all my experience for all the young players, to use my professional mentality to help them become better professionals.”
However, Radoi conceded, he does not expect to be a guaranteed a starting spot.
“I have to fight for my position,” he said. “It will not be easy, but I like this kind of challenge. At every club, I try to do something for the team, for the club.
“I wish to give not 100 per cent, but 150 per cent for the team if possible, to bring many victories that can bring us trophies.
“I’m happy to be here and for sure I will finish my career here.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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