Star Al Wahda signing Jorge Valdivia is convinced his move to the Middle East will not jeopardise his place in the victorious Chile squad.
Valdivia, 31, was given a hero’s reception by jubilant Clarets supporters on Friday night when he landed at Abu Dhabi Airport.
His highly-anticipated return to the Arabian Gulf League – he previously starred for Al Ain from 2008-10 – had been delayed, Brazilian giants Palmeiras refusing to release him from his contract before it expired on August 17 despite agreeing a two-year deal last month.
The playmaker arrives at Al Nahyan Stadium after performing a key role in La Roja’s Copa America win on home soil.
When asked whether his switch would see him drop out of coach Jorge Sampaoli’s plans, Valdivia insisted his desire to achieve success with Wahda would keep him involved internationally.
“No (it won’t affect my future with Chile),” he told Abu Dhabi Sports. “I believe I come here with lots of motivation and ambition to achieve great things.
“I hope to have a very good season. I’m going to give everything I have. The most important thing is my work here. I’ll try to train hard, to do better, improve and my place in the Chile squad will be a consequence of that.
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“But the most important thing right now is how I play here and I will give my very best to the team.”
Valdivia has retained his place in Chile’s roster for their friendly against Panama on September 5.
He underwent medical examinations yesterday and will be unveiled to the media this evening in Abu Dhabi.
His arrival is a huge coup for Wahda, who look well poised to mount a challenge for their first top-flight title since 2009/10 after the further summer additionsof ex-Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre and former Arsenal midfielder Denilson.
He said: “Many people follow this league, so it’s very important. I’m very happy and we’ll try as a team to do our best, and the best is to become champions – so, that’s what we’ll try to do.
“Inshallah, we’ll take the championship this season. The most important thing is the team.
“The entire team is focusing on the season and our games. Wahda haven’t won the championship in five years and Inshallah, this year we will take the league.”
Valdivia was greeted by dozens of boisterous Wahda fans once he disembarked, thrilled at his comeback to the country when he won the 2008/09 President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup double with the Boss plus the 2009 Arabian Gulf Super Cup.
He said: “The reception for me here has been very nice. I’m really happy and I’ll do my best to pay them back by playing well.”
Valdivia is likely to make his Clarets debut on September 12 when Al Shabab travel to the capital.
