'Fantastic' Braga relationship helped Neves decide on Jazira move

Matt Jones - Editor 09:34 16/07/2015
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  • Neves (r) after being announced to the public.

    Brazilian international Thiago Neves has revealed how his previous relationship with manager Abel Braga helped him decide on a move to Al Jazira.

    Braga officially replaced Eric Gerets as Jazira head coach last month and quickly made Neves his first signing. The two worked together previously at Fluminese.

    The 30-year-old former Al Hilal attacking midfielder has won seven caps for Brazil and also revealed that fellow countrymen Rafael Sobis and Ricardo Oliveira were pivotal in his decision to quit Saudi Arabia for the Arabian Gulf League.

    Neves was unveiled by the club at a press conference last night, alongside Braga, and fellow new signings Park Jong-woo, fares Juma and Saif Rashed.

    “I’m proud to wear the Jazira jersey,” said Neves.

    “One reason that made me come here was talking to Rafael Sobis and Ricardo Oliveira, who told me good things about Jazira.

    “Of course I had a previously fantastic and respectful relationship with Abel Braga too. This also helped me to join.”

    Forwards Sobis and Oliveira both enjoyed differing fortunes in the UAE capital. Sobis was at Jazira between 2008-12 but played just 21 games, scoring seven goal.

    Oliveira, however, was a sensation in the black and white stripes, scoring an incredible 54 goals in 78 games from 2009-14.

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    Neves admits he is now looking forward to linking up with new strike duo Ali Mabkhout and Mirko Vucinic.

    “I am proud and happy to play with Ali Mablhout and Mirko Vucinic,” he said.

    “It’s not the first time I’ve played with great players. I used to play with Neymar and Ronaldinho and this will help the team and the players to succeed and win the title together.”

    Although he is happy at his UAE move, Neves admitted it was with a heavy heart that he departed Al Hilal, with whom he won the double of the Saudi Premier League and Crown Prince Cup in 2010, as well as the Kings Cup earlier this year.

    “I had great achievements at Al Hilal but I cannot talk about that now, I am at Al Jazira,” he said.

    “I promise to give my best for Jazira and promise the fans that I will be better here than I was with Al Hilal. I had fantastic career with Al Hilal and the fans and I am looking forward to a great relationship with the Al Jazira fans.”

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