Khamis Esmail has pointed to the fact he’s just won his first league title as vindication for making a big-money switch from Abu Dhabi giants Al Jazira to Al Ahli in January.
Jazira’s decision to let the UAE international move to Dubai in a Dh60m move came as a surprise to most, including the 26-year-old. However, after the Red Knights were confirmed as Arabian Gulf League champions following Al Ain’s 3-2 defeat to Fujairah on Thursday, Esmail says he is hungry for more success with his new club.
“This is one of the most successful clubs in the UAE and that’s why I’m now with Al Ahli,” said Esmail, who is keen to add more trophies to the league championship.
“I’ve been with the club for four months, become champion for the first time and hopefully we’ll be champions again and again in the future. This will give us more confidence to be champions also in the President’s Cup.”
Another player enjoying his football at Rashid Stadium is rejuvenated Brazilian striker Ciel.
It looked like his days in Dubai were numbered when compatriot Lima was signed last summer, while also battling back from a double ankle fracture suffered during the 2014-15 AGL season opener at Sharjah.
He earned a reprieve, however, when Lima was ruled out for the rest of the campaign following a knee injury in December.
Speculation on his future remains, yet the 34-year-old insists he’s thankful to just be back playing.
“Five months ago, everyone said I’m signing for Al Shaab, Sharjah, Emirates, but I stayed at Ahli,” said Ciel, who has six goals in 15 games for the Red Knights this year.
“I have a contract until August and only when that finishes can I speak about it. I don’t know if I’ll stay or go. I stopped, had a big operation, but I came back in January and to be champions is very, very good.”
Elsewhere, Ahli’s UAE midfielder Majed Hassan will be out of action for six months after picking up a cruciate ligament injury in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Bani Yas. He went off in the first half and scans have since revealed the extent of the injury.
