ABU DHABI // Rim Chang-woo, Al Wahda's new Korean signing, said his new team can "still be challenging for titles" when he was unveiled to the media at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Friday.
The Korean international watched his team reach the Arabian Gulf Cup final four days ago and will make his debut in the Arabian Gulf League against Al Shabab at the Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium on Saturday.
“When I was first approached by Wahda I immediately did a research on the club’s profile and learnt they were a quality side and challenging for titles,” he said during his first meeting with the media.
“I was given a very warm reception here and it is a new world for me. Wahda are an exciting squad with a good mix of experience and youth under an experienced manager in Javier Aguirre.
“I have been following Aguirre’s work when he was coach of Japan and looking forward to work under him. I hope my experience will be of good use to him as well as for my new team.”
Read more: 'World class' Jorge Valdivia inspires Al Wahda to reach Arabian Gulf Cup final
Rim, 23, replaced Kuwait international centre-back Hussain Fadhel on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
He arrives from K-League side Ulsan Hyundai, where he began his professional career in 2010.
Rim has represented Korea in all age groups and scored the winner against North Korea in the Asian Games which they hosted in 2014. He has two international caps with the senior national team having made his debut against China at the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup.
Dr Jamal Al Hosani, a member of the club’s board of directors, said they signed the young Korean after consulting with Aguirre.
“The coach wanted a defender who can play in two different positions,” he said. “Rim plays as a right back and can also move in as a centre-back.
“He has excellent technical abilities, good in air, very agile, extremely fast and solid as a defender. We hope he can settle down as quickly as possible. His contract is until 2018 which means we are planning for the future.”
apassela@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
