Jorge Valdivia has expressed his delight at signing for Al Wahda and said there was never any doubt about him joining the Arabian Gulf League club.
Wahda announced this month they had secured the player for a fee of €6 million (Dh24m) from Brazilian club Palmeiras and would pay Valdivia €2.5m per season on his two-year contract.
However, just days before the deal was consummated, reports that the bid was to be hijacked by a big-spending Chinese club emerged.
In a telephone interview with Al Ittihad, the Arabic-language sister newspaper of The National, the Chilean playmaker explained that because of his involvement in the Copa America last month he was unable to respond when news leaked of his negotiations with the Abu Dhabi club but insisted the deal was signed and sealed in Chile before he returned to Brazil to tie up the loose ends with his Brazilian employers.
Below is The National's translation of Al Ittihad's interview:
On the story behind his signing
"When news leaked out that I might leave Brazil and head to the UAE there was a lot of media misinformation at a time when I was concentrating only on the Copa America," he told Al Ittihad. "When I returned to Brazil after the tournament and ensuing celebrations, I sat down with president of Palmeiras, where my contract ends on August 17, and I explained to him the situation and that I have signed for Al Wahda. I tried my best to return to Abu Dhabi before then but unfortunately there is clause in my contract that forbids me from leaving Palmeiras without the club's permission, that is the reason I have yet to join Al Wahda. I have to thank Al Wahda and Javier Aguirre for their understanding. Everything else is just rumours as I completed the move in Chile and before my return to Brazil."
On choosing Al Wahda over other clubs
“I chose Al Wahda because I know the club well from my time with Al Ain. The matches between the clubs were some of the most important derbies in the league, and always drew huge crowds. At the same time I did receive offers from the Gulf and China, but Al Wahda was my first choice because this country has a special place in heart and Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city I’ll be happy to live in. In addition, the club’s negotiations were highly professional and serious. The club kept all its promises, they sent representative Juan Ignacio to complete the deal and I was in constant touch with Al Wahda chairman Ahmad Al Rumaithi who ensured all the details were followed. That’s why I committed to joining even before officially signing on the day of the Copa America final. I kept the promise to Al Wahda’s president and celebrated that day by joining the club and winning the cup with my country.”
On new challenge
“I am happy to return to the UAE. I have joined a big club and it’s the first time in my career I have played for different clubs in the same country. It’s a new challenge, and Al Wahda has huge potential. It’s difficult to play against your old club, and I have friends and lots of beautiful memories from my time there in Al Ain, but that is professional football. I will give everything I have for my new home Al Wahda. I am more mature now and that makes me enjoy my football more and give my best.”
On the joy of winning
“Winning the Copa America was very important, it was our first ever trophy and it was beautiful to win it at home. That gave it an extra flavour and the joy was unconfined. It was perfect timing, and my joy at winning will reflect positively on my journey with Al Wahda. I promise Sheikh Diab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the club president, the club’s management, Ahmad Al Rumaithi and the supporters to give everything I have, and I am extremely happy at the fans’ welcoming of my signing. I have been in touch with some fans over Twitter and Instagram and it all points to an encouraging season.”
On Al Wahda teammates
“I have always known just how big a star Ismail Matar is, and I am happy we are now playing in the same team. I also know Denilson, who I played against in the Brazilian league and he is one of the reasons I joined Al Wahda. Also the Argentinian striker Tigali [Sebastian Tagliabue] is exceptional, and there are many good local players. Under Aguirre the team has all the qualities to be challengers.”
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
