Pedrao looking forward to finding a right atmosphere

Al Shabab unveiled their new Brazilian striker Christiano Florencio da Silva "Pedrao", the second signing for the club after Chilean Carlos Villanueva this season.

Christiano Florencio da Silva, also known as Pedrao and Al Shabab's latest Brazilian signing, decided to try his luck in the Pro League after a recommendation from Marcos Assuncao, who played for the club last season. Assuncao, a former Brazil international and Roma player, wore the captain's armband at Shabab last season and was one of the people Pedrao consulted before deciding to leave the Brazilian second division side Barueri and head to the Emirates.

Pedrao, 31, signed a one-year deal, which can be extended by another two years, with Shabab. "I did not know much about the league here, So I spoke to some people about the level of football here, including Assuncao. He has played with the club and he advised me accept the offer," he said. "He told me about the long history of the club and assured me that I will find the right atmosphere to showcase my abilities and potential.

"So I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to making my stay a memorable one." Pedrao's decision was also influenced by the presence of Toninho Cerezo, who is the head coach of Shabab. "I have not met Cerezo before, but I am fully aware about his long history as an outstanding player and coach," he said. "I am happy I will be playing under his leadership and I am looking forward to repaying the club management and fans for the trust they have shown in me."

Pedrao was the top-scorer in the 2009 Campeonato Paulista, the Sao Paulo state championship, with 16 goals and struck six more in eight games of the 2009 Brazilian Championship. Pedrao is Shabab's second foreign signing for next season after Chilean Carlos Villanueva. The club decided to change all their four foreign professionals from last season - Assuncao, Carlos Renato, Mehrdad Oladi and Musawengosi Mguni - after failing to finish in the top four.

"Our focus is to increase the effectiveness of our attack," said Abdulkader Hassan, a member of the club's interim committee. "We suffered in that area last season and were short of goals. So we are happy to strengthen that area with the arrival of Pedrao, who is one of the top strikers in Brazil." [e-mail]