Denilson hoping to continue AFC Champions League career with Al Wahda

Matt Jones - Editor 22:52 13/05/2016
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  • The 28-year- old has two years remaining on his contract at Al Nahyan Stadium but cast doubt on his future following the 3-0 victory against Bani Yas on the final day of the Arabian Gulf League season last Sunday.

    “Maybe I stay, maybe I go, I don’t know,” said the former Arsenal man.

    “Next season you will see what will happen with my situation at the club because I have two more years on my contract, but you have to talk with the president, which I haven’t done yet.”

    Denilson headed straight back to his homeland following the campaign’s conclusion to undergo knee surgery for a problem that he has been dealing with for most of his debut campaign in the Emirates.

    “I have to go back to Brazil for an operation on my knee, it is serious,” he said.

    “I’ll stay there for 5-6 weeks but I hope I will come back stronger next season. I will come back and you will see what happens with my situation.”

    Denilson has been a pivotal figure when fit for the Clarets, scoring two goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.

    Despite voicing uncertainty, he hopes he will remain in the UAE capital.

    “I don’t know what will happen in my career but I’m enjoying it here,” said Denilson following the Clarets’ 3-0 defeat of Bani Yas which saw them claim third spot behind champions Al Ahli and runners-up Al Ain.

    That has guaranteed Javier Aguirre’s men a place in the Champions League playoffs, a hurdle Wahda failed to clear two seasons ago.

    They have not participated in the competition proper since 2011 but Denilson hopes that changes.

    “I’m very happy because it’s my first season here and you are in the AFC Champions League so this is very important for me personally and the club because we haven’t played in it for five years,” he said.

    “When you come to this season, no-one believed in Al Wahda so we have shown. I say congratulations to Javier because he has taken us into the Champions League.

    “It’s been an amazing season. I hope next season will be even better.”

    The 2015/16 AGL awards, meanwhile, will be decided at a ceremony at Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace on Friday night.

    The event starts at 19:30 with the fixtures draw for the 2016/17 season also set to take place.

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