Family first for Mohamad

Youssef Mohamad signed with Al Ahli so he can be closer to his family in Lebanon.

Powered by automated translation

Youssef Mohamad, the Cologne defender, said he signed a two-year contract with Al Ahli of the professional league so he can be closer to his family in Lebanon.

"I have signed, I wanted to be near my family," Mohamad told Bild newspaper.

Cologne have yet to confirm the deal, but Portuguese defender Henrique Sereno, 26, has already passed a medical at the Bundesliga club and is expected to be Mohamad's replacement.

Mohamad, who was the Cologne captain, said there was no other reason for his sudden departure than a desire to be with his family.

"There is only one reason: My family need me and I need them," said Mohamad, 31.

"It takes just over two hours to fly from Dubai to my home in Lebanon.

"There are more important things in life than money."