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New midfield addition Fellipe Bastos aiming for titles with Al Ain
New centre midfielder Fellipe Bastos is certain he can fulfil his ambitions of sweeping up silverware at Al Ain.
Bastos, 25, was bought by the all-conquering Arabian Gulf League champions from Vasco Da Gama earlier this month on a three-year contract. The Brazilian has joined a side who regularly compete for glory at both home and abroad, being the UAE’s most decorated club and the only one to win the AFC Champions League.
Speaking to Abu Dhabi Sports from the Boss’ pre-season training camp in Germany, the ex-PSV Eindhoven and Benfica player cannot wait to bring more glory to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
He said: “The truth is, I received offers in the past season from some clubs in the Gulf region. But I am looking forward to joining this club, as I can realise my ambitions as a footballer.
“I enjoy the spirit of the challenge. The love of ascending the podium has all the ingredients of fun and excitement. Al Ain have skilful players, many fans and great management who are very professional.
“Currently, Al Ain are one of the leading clubs of the Asian continent and not just the Gulf region. I will work with my colleagues to achieve our goals in the new season.”
The Brazilian joins a recalibrated four-player foreign quota, only South Korea defensive midfielder Lee Myung-woo retained. Leading striker Asamoah Gyan has been sold to Shanghai SIPG, winger Miroslav Stoch has returned to parent club Fenerbahce and forward Jires Kembo Ekoko is unwanted for the second time in his Boss career.
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Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike has replicated Stoch’s path to Al Ain, while former Liverpool and Ajax winger Ryan Babel should add class out wide. Bastos has been impressed by his new team-mates, putting particular emphasis on the latter player and resident UAE superstar Omar Abdulrahman.
He said: “Prior to joining Al Ain, I knew it was a club which is keen on bringing in players at a high level in the Gulf region throughout their history. I was happy with the offer that I received, because I realised that I would join a great club.
“When destiny gives you a chance to join the team which is the record holder of league titles won in the UAE, it is certain to be a great move.
“Ryan Babel is well known, while Omar Abdulrahman is a special case as the owner of such exceptional technical capabilities. This is the same in all departments, beginning with goalkeeper Khalid Essa.”
Zlatko Dalic’s men kick off the 2015/16 campaign with the Arabian Gulf Super Cup against Al Nasr – the President’s Cup holders – on August 15 at Bani Yas Stadium. They are currently on a two-week tour to Germany, last night losing their opening friendly 1-0 to Lokomotiv Tashkent of Uzbekistan.
