Balazs Dzsudzsak says Al Wahda’s dogged persistence of him convinced the Hungary captain to move to the UAE.
After a stellar Euro 2016 campaign with his country, the 29-year-old was a man in demand and had attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke.
The lively wideman caught the eye in France with two goals in the thrilling 3-3 draw with eventual champions Portugal in the group stages. Despite putting himself in the shop window and admitting his priority was to stay in Europe, the former PSV Eindhoven and Dynamo Moscow flyer admitted he chose the Clarets because they really wanted him.
“I’m very happy to join Al Wahda,” Dzsudzsak said at his unveiling yesterday, having signed a two-year deal following a €3 move from Turkey’s Bursaspor.
“To be honest, Al Wahda was the only team who gave me official papers. For two-and-a-half months they showed interest in me, they were really open and always sent me messages, calling my agent, during the tournament (European Championship) also.
“I was honest with them. I said my priority was to stay in Europe but if that’s not possible then of course I’d be open to joining. They were unbelievably nice to me about this.
“The final decision was made in the last few weeks because I still had some interest from Germany, from Leverkusen and Schalke, but it was nothing concrete, so I said ‘OK’.
“Nothing happened so I wanted to come where I was wanted. This was 100 per cent ready so I didn’t want to wait anymore. They give me a lot of confidence about the future, so that is why I’m very happy to join this club.”
Hungary very nearly eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in the Group F game on June 22, taking the lead three times against Fernando Santos’ team in Lyon.
The 82-times capped Dzsudzsak scored a brace in the match but two for Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo rescued a draw and Hungary exited at the last 16 stage after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Belgium.
Dzsudzsak has a strike record of a goal every four games domestically and internationally, scoring 87 times in 348 total career club games, as well as 20 strikes for Hungary. And he is targeting goals and assists for his new team too.
“My target is to play every game in a good level. To get a lot of goals and assists and to win some titles. To be better and better game by game,” he added.
“The team last year was very good, they finished third and it’s a good competition. There’s a few good teams and we have some big games. I’m very excited about this new adventure.
“Wherever I go I want to be the best and give 100 per cent. It’s no different here. I have to show I’m one of the best in the team and the league too. I want to help the team and I have to show my best qualities. After we will see what we do.”
