AL AIN // Omar Abdulrahman said he would be happy to finish his career at Al Ain after committing to the club until 2018.
The UAE national team star, 23, announced on Friday that he had signed an extension to his previous contract, which was to expire in June.
Al Ain then officially confirmed the agreement on Sunday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, where the Garden City club said the new deal – thought to be worth Dh14 million a season – made Abdulrahman the best paid Arabic player in the Middle East.
“The contract is for three years at the moment, but I hope it will be for a lifetime,” Abdulrahman said.
“Three years, five years, or more, who knows?
“I’m happy because I’m a son of the club. The club has been my place – my home – since my childhood and therefore it’s not strange to sign for three more years. I’ve graduated through this club, so the decision was already made.
“There were just some details, which we finalised very quickly.”
There has long been speculation Abdulrahman would reject Al Ain’s offer and instead choose to pursue a career outside the UAE.
Those rumours gained traction after the playmaker’s fine performances at last month’s Asian Cup, where he proved integral to the national team’s third-place finish.
Abdulrahman has been linked with a host of prominent European clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Valencia and Benfica.
He insisted his focus now, though, is solely on helping Al Ain lift more trophies and that the new deal was not motivated by financial reward.
“Our relationship is beyond money,” Abdulrahman said. “I’m happy at the club and that’s the most important thing. It’s the best for both the club and myself.
“I don’t want to talk about money, but I feel I have proved I’m valuable to Al Ain.
“My main objective now is to serve the club and show the best performance I can to make Al Ain have success in all competitions.”
Zlatko Dalic, the Al Ain coach, said he was delighted to secure Abdulrahman’s services until the end of the 2017/18 season at least.
Tellingly, the Croatian said he believes the new agreement does not rule out a future transfer to Europe.
“For now, the best for Omar is to stay in Al Ain, get experience and bring trophies to the club,” Dalic said.
“There’ll be time for Europe. I’m sure Omar can play at a big club there, but it has to be a big club. Hopefully, one day he’ll be there.
“But, I think now he needs to stay here, to help us.”
Abdulrahman has been missing for much of this campaign – since September 30, he has played only 60 minutes in the Arabian Gulf League – and is recuperating from a hamstring injury sustained this month in the match against Al Shabab.
The midfielder began running in training on Saturday and said he is close to full fitness.
He said that the club doctor will decide if he is ready to return to action in Tuesday’s Asian Champions League Group B opener with Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab.
Al Ain also sit joint top of the domestic standings with seven rounds to play, although they have a game in hand over their title rivals.
“I’m very happy because I can continue with a big player like Omar, but I’ll be most happy when Omar’s with me and my team on the pitch,” Dalic said.
“We are a strong team, but with Omar we’re strongest. He’s missed too much already.
“Hopefully, we’ll be together very soon.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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