Brazil striker Nilmar warmed up for his debut Arabian Gulf League campaign with a brace as Al Nasr defeated an Ingolstadt 04 XI 3-0 in their final friendly match.
Nilmar, 31, has been bought by the Blue Wave from Internacio-nal to replace controversial front man Ibrahima Toure. The former Lyon and Villarreal star was on the scoresheet on Sunday for his new club, his efforts in the 41st and 58th minutes coming after compatriot Renan Garcia’s early opener.
Ivan Jovanovic’s men return to the UAE Tuesday to continue preparations for Saturday’s scheduled Arabian Gulf Super Cup against Al Ain.
Meanwhile, mercurial playmaker Jorge Valdivia has launched a broadside at the Palmeiras leadership as he prepares to make his long-awaited move to Al Wahda.
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Valdivia, 31, will join up with the Clarets on August 17 when his deal in Brazil expires. Heated disagreements with Alviverde officials such as president Paulo Nobre have occured since his free transfer move was announced last month, the Copa America winner with Chile eager to set the record straight before his UAE return.
“During this period, I received offers but did not sign,” Valdivia, who previously starred for Al Ain from 2008-10, . “If I were ungrateful, a mercenary, I would have accepted one of the two offers (from Cruzeiro and Flame-ngo) which were much better.
“I owe a lot to this club, and I will be eternally grateful. The board has done nothing for my renewal.”
