Star playmaker Everton Ribeiro is convinced his decision not to wait for a move to a European heavyweight has been justified by Al Ahli’s impending title joy.
Ribeiro, 27, was one of the most-highly-sought-after players in Brazil when he joined the Red Knights from Cruzeiro in February 2015. This status was confirmed during his unveiling as he revealed previous switches to Manchester United, AC Milan and Monaco had all fallen through.
The Selecao star impressed as champions Al Ain were beaten in Thursday’s top-of-the table, Arabian Gulf League-showdown and he insisted he had no regrets about how his career has panned out.
“When I came here, I wanted to win titles. For results like this, this is why I came to Al Ahli,” he said. “I congratulate all the players, and the supporters for coming here for this big game. I am very happy.
“My team played very well against Al Ain. Now we have the greatest chance to take the league – this makes me happy.”
Party time at Rashid Stadium. #alahliuae so close to #AGLeague title after beating holders #alainfc @Sport360 https://t.co/Md6zbqFXsw
— Matt Monaghan (@mattmonaghan360) April 14, 2016
A €9 million (Dhs 37m) fee for 60 per cent of the player’s transfer rights was paid to to recruit the highly-rated international on a four-year contract. He has gone on to justify both the amount paid and his big reputation since.
Ribeiro impressed throughout Ahli’s surge to the 2015 AFC Champions League final, while his six goals and nine assists have ensured the AGL crown is about to head back to Dubai. In total, he has scored 14 times during 62 appearances.
Another top-flight title to match the two Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A trophies won at Cruzeiro could be confirmed this weekend, with Ahli holding a six-point lead with three games left. Champions Al Ain would be dethroned if they slip up against bottom-placed Al Shaab and the Red Knights better their result during the tricky assignment at Al Nasr.
The Blue Wave are the side in possession of the third-and-final AFC Champions League qualification spot after a round which saw them thrash Bani Yas 5-2, while Al Wasl drew with Sharjah and Al Wahda lost at Al Dhafra.
“If we keep continuing this performance, we will have good results at the end of the season,” said Nasr boss Ivan Jovanovic. “We are missing some players, but we will try to find solutions for it.
“At the end of the season, we have consecutive games and I would like to have all the players.
“My target is to get third position in the league and progress in the AFC Champions League. Of course it will not be easy, but it will be fantastic if we achieve it.”
Nasr could be distracted by Wednesday ACL assignment against Lokomotiv Tashkent, where a debut run into the knockout stages at the third time of asking could be confirmed.
