Jones bids farewell to Al Jazira on the back of 'miracle' cup win

Matt Jones - Editor 09:46 01/06/2016
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  • Jones in action for Jazira.

    The 31-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international joined fellow players and coaching staff to celebrate Jazira’s first trophy in four years at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium the morning after their dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout victory against Al Ain.

    The former Sunderland and Stoke City striker appeared coy when quizzed on his future before posting an Instagram picture of himself at Abu Dhabi International Airport thanking teammates and fans for their support later that day.

    Jones arrived in the capital city in January on a six month loan deal from English Championship side Cardiff City, scoring a meagre four goals in 18 games.

    He came on as a substitute in Sunday’s final against the Boss and claimed few would have seen the Pride of Abu Dhabi winning a trophy when he arrived, with the club languishing 12th in the Arabian Gulf League table.

    “We’ve made steady progress with hard work and we lifted the cup in the end, which is nothing short of a miracle,” said Jones.

    “It’s not a disappointing season anymore. The league was not good but in the end we came away with some silverware. I think the fans should be happy with that.”

    Jones admitted Jazira’s triumph seemed almost destiny.

    Henk ten Cate’s men claimed a dramatic shootout win against Sharjah in the quarter-finals having been 2-0 down in regulation and then 4-2 adrift in extra-time, before beating AGL champions Al Ahli 3-2 in the semi-final.

    “Cup competitions are always filled with twists and turns, this one was no different,” added Jones.

    “It was amazing the way we won games. It’s surreal but I guess if we hadn’t have won it this way, it wouldn’t have felt as special.”

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