Al Ahli new boy Everton Ribeiro has revealed the Red Knights succeeded where a trio of Europe’s top clubs failed and tempted Cruzeiro into authorising a sale.
Ribeiro, 25, was unveiled as the Arabian Gulf League champions’ latest addition during a packed media conference. Attention in him from foreign clubs has been huge after being the key figure in Raposa’s successive Brasileirao successes, his signing a huge coup.
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Premier League giants Manchester United and then free-spending Monaco were linked heavily last season, with Serie A stalwarts AC Milan rumoured to have provided the main competition in this transfer window.
Speaking in Dubai on Monday, Ribeiro both confirmed these approaches and contentment about his decision to head to the Middle East.
He said: “Yes, there were offers and conversations with Manchester United, Monaco and AC Milan.
“All these offers did not tempt Cruzeiro and they didn’t let me go.
“The only project that attended to all parts was Al Ahli. I decided to come here and I am very happy about that.
“There were offers in previous seasons and this window as well. The only one that really came close to what we were thinking was Al Ahli’s.
“I met the people and became very happy about that. Now, I know I made right the decision.”
Ribeiro’s switch has broken the norm, whereby breakout Brazil stars traditionally head to Europe in their prime before seeing out their playing careers in far-flung destinations.
He makes the move to the UAE as the Premio Craque do Brasileirao (Brazilian Player of the Year) for 2013 and 2014, as well as a three-times capped Brazil international since first being selected in September.
Ribeiro stated he has been assured by head coach Dunga that his Ahli transfer does not spell the end of his fledgling Selecao career.
He said: “Football nowadays is globalised. I spoke with Dunga and he said there is no problem as Al Ahli is a club that is known around the world.
“I want to keep up my high performances to remind the coach of the national team.”
Ambition was the key message from Ribeiro at Rashid Stadium, repeatedly speaking about a “project”. He will be expected to provide fresh impetus for the struggling treble holders, who sit sixth in the AGL table ahead of Wednesday’s fixture against Sharjah.
This extended to conquering the AFC Champions League, with the next campaign set to start in three weeks.
He said: “I would like to say I am very, very excited and happy to be here and to defend Al Ahli’s great shirt.
“Ahli were the last champion. I would like to say I am ready and want to help the club to conquer even more titles to help fans and make all the fans of Ahli happy.
“I chose Al Ahli because of the grand project of the president and sporting director. They showed me a product I could improve and that I could help the club to be one of Asia’s biggest clubs.
“That was the most important for my decision. Clubs in Europe showed this as well, I choose to come here because of the project.
“The project itself is to be the winner. The challenge is to become one of Asia’s biggest clubs and conquer the AFC Champions League.”
