Ibrahim Diaky has declared “my heart and my mind” will always be with Al Ain after the veteran midfielder almost returned to Al Jazira last month.
Diaky, 34, was called back from the Pride of Abu Dhabi’s pre-season training camp last week once the Boss decided to make a dramatic U-turn. A contract extension was instead handed out as they determined the player was required for the challenges ahead, which begin with August 23’s opening meeting with Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv Tashkent in the 2016 AFC Champions League quarter-finals.
“It does not feel strange at all that I came out of the club and came back to it again,” he told the club’s website in Salzburg, Austria. “To continue with the club is normal, as Al Ain holds a special status within myself.
“My heart and my mind will always be with Al Ain. My desire was to stay, as coach Zlatko Dalic gave me all the confidence and support I required.
“I am ready to show the fighting spirit to defend the Al Ain badge.”
No volte-face followed for UAE right-back Mohammed Fawzi, who is still Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium-bound once the national team’s Spanish training camp ends next week.
The continental commitment looms for the remaining Al Ain players. The 2003 ACL winners hold the competition in the highest esteem, something Diaky – who has made more than 110 appearances for them since a 2013 switch from Jazira – is fully aware of. He said: “We are facing major challenges in the new season and always a priority is the AFC Champions League.
“The Champions League title is the most important goal for me on a personal level, because it is the only achievement I have not made in my career.”
Al Ain have been quiet in the summer transfer market, choosing to bring in just Kashima Antlers winger Caio and UAE centre midfielder Amer Abdulrahman. Diaky was also expecting big things from 20-goal February buy Douglas and erratic winger Danilo Asprilla during 2016/17.
He said: “The offence is led by Douglas, Danilo Asprilla and Caio. I noticed a big difference between the level at which Douglas and Danilo appeared last season when compared to now – I think they will offer even more to the team.”
Diaky spent most of last month training with Jazira ahead of an expected switch.
His retention has been welcomed by Al Ain supporters, which is a fact he is grateful for.
He said: “I feel like I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the fans of Al Ain for their confidence and continued support in ourselves.
“I assure the masses that I have full confidence that the new season will be fantastic.”
