Pitroipa looking forward to fresh start with Jazira

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  • Team man: Burkina Faso international Jonathan Pitroipa (l) will add to Jazira’s firepower.

    Jonathan Pitroipa cannot wait to “take on the challenge” of succeed­ing at new club Al Jazira, follow­ing his unveiling in Abu Dhabi last night.

    Pitroipa, 28, was signed along­side former Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic at the start of the month in a stunning double swoop for the capital side.

    The pacey Burkina Faso winger was much coveted during the sum­mer, with Jazira edging rival offers from the Middle East and Europe to secure his signature from French top-flight club Rennes.

    Pitroipa revealed he was con­vinced to make the switch to the Arabian Gulf League ahead of the opposing bids after touring the Mo­hammed bin Zayed outfit.

    He said: “Last year I had an offer from Qatar but it was not the right moment for me to move on for a new experience in this region. This year I had an offer from Al Jazira and I really wanted to take on the challenge.

    “I visited the club, saw how it is, and after that I took my decision. I am really happy to be here.”

    Pitroipa excelled while play­ing in the Bundesliga for Freiburg and Hamburg, before making the switch to France three years ago.

    He has also shone on the interna­tional stage, being named Player of the Tournament at the 2013 African Cup of Nations during Les Etalons surprise run to the final.

    Last season was not as successful for him, however, starting less than half of Rennes’ games and seeing a January move to Premier League side Stoke City fall through.

    Pitroipa now forms part of a vi­brant attack alongside Vucinic and Morocco playmaker Abdelaziz Bar­rada.

    “I think my characteristics are speed, dribbling and playing for the team. I want to help my team-mates in having good results and winning titles,” he said.

    New coach Eric Gerets now boasts an impressive array of op­tions as he chases Jazira’s first sil­verware since their President’s Cup success two years ago.

    First team manager Ayed Mab­khout believes Pitroipa will provide valuable experience for the tests ahead.

    He said: “Jonathan has played in different countries, having a pro­fessional background in Germany and France. His latest professional experience was in Rennes and we hope he can bring his experience and skills to Jazira.”

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