Abdulrahman pledges lifetime to Al Ain

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  • Al Ain will be over the moon now their star man has committed to the club.

    Al Ain superstar Omar Abdulrahman has marked the signing of his new three-year contract by revealing a desire to stay at the Arabian Gulf League giants “for a lifetime”.

    – READ: Sport360's World Cup 2015 magazine

    Abdulrahman, 23, took to Twitter on Friday to announce an extension had been secured to the four-year deal that was set to expire in the summer. This ended fears that he could be set for a free-transfer exit after wowing European scouts with his stellar performances during January’s Asian Cup.

    Speaking at a packed press conference last night to officially celebrate the agreement, the coveted UAE international expressed his long-term contentment at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

     “The contract is for three years at the moment but I hope it will be for a lifetime,” Abdulrahman said. “As [Al Ain senior squad supervisor Mohammed] Obaid [Hammad] says, our relationship is beyond cash.

    “I’m happy at the club and that is the most important thing. It is best for both Omar and the club.

    “At the moment I’m serving Al Ain club for three years, five years, who knows.”

    Abdulrahman and his family – including playing brothers Mohamed and Khaled – moved to the Garden City from Saudi Arabian-capital Riyadh in 2007. He has emerged as the shining light of Emirati football since debuting for the Boss six years ago, first posting notice of his breathtaking talent to a global audience during the 2012 London Olympics.

    AGL, President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Super Cup doubles have been lifted, this tally being added to by a solitary Arabian Gulf Cup in 2009.

    A plethora of foreign agents had attempted to gain influence with him since inspiring the UAE’s run to third in last month’s Asian Cup. But he insisted there had never been any doubt about continuing his successful spell at Al Ain.

    He said: “I am happy because I am son of the club, I am happy to renew my contract with the club.

    “I do not want to talk about the money, but I feel I am valuable to the club as a good player.

    “My main part now is to serve the club and show the best performances I have to make Al Ain successful in the league, cups and other competitions.

    “For me as Omar, I will serve the club for either five or 10 years.”

    Frustrations have been felt during a club campaign heavily disrupted by injury. Abdulrahman has made only three AGL appearances this term, picking up a hamstring problem a fortnight ago in the 2-1 victory against Al Shabab.

    A return to action is on the horizon, though tomorrow’s AFC Champions League Group B opener at home to Al Shabab Riyadh should come too soon.

    Abdulrahman said: “Recently, I have been injured so I have not been able to fully support my team. I am in the final stages to be back on the field.

    “I ran for the first time last night [Saturday], I am waiting now for the green light from the doctor to join my team-mates.”

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