Jimenez left shocked by Al Ahli's decision to axe captain

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Heading for the exit: Luis Jimenez.

    The timing of Al Ahli’s ruthless decision to dispense with Luis Jimenez came as a complete surprise to their captain, who has been left out in the cold with less than three days remaining in the winter transfer window.

    Jimenez, 30, was told at 12:30 on Tuesday afternoon that his services were no longer required by the treble holders following the acquisition of South Korean midfielder Kwon Kyung-won from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The new arrival will take up the skipper’s designated Asian player spot, earned courtesy of his dual Chilean-Palestinian nationality.

    This change of direction came as a shock to the attacking midfielder, who was informed last week that he was were still required by the Rashid Stadium-outfit ahead of the domestic market closing at midnight on Thursday.

    Jimenez has proven a great servant since joining the Red Knights in August 2011. His trophy-laden stint, which reached its zenith with last term’s incredible achievements, now appears to have reached a sudden ending.

    “This was a big surprise for Luis, because last week he spoke with them and heard something completely different,” a source close to the player said. “Why they had to wait until the last days, we do not know – this is impossible.

    “We hope to find a solution for him, because he wants to play. If he moves, he wants this to be a permanent thing and not a loan deal.

    “It is very difficult for Luis because there is no time left in the window. It is difficult to understand the way he has been treated.

    “He always did his job in a professional way, with incredible results.”

    A quartet of sides have expressed interest in former Internazionale star Jimenez. Arabian Gulf league rivals Bani Yas lead the chase, which also includes Primera Division holders Racing Club, Chinese Super League runners-up Beijing Guoan and Chilean Primera Division out­fit Colo-Colo.

    His options have been limited by the closing of the market in the majority of European countries and Chile. Russian, Chinese and Argentine clubs can still secure deals.

    Ahli have reacted dynamically to their travails this term, which sees last year’s Arabian Gulf League title winners down in seventh. The arrival of Kwon on Tuesday followed high-profile purchases of Brazil international Everton Ribeiro and Morocco winger Oussama Assaidi since the winter window opened on January 18.

    Hugo Viana and close friend Grafite are among those to have exited in recent months to facilitate the changes, Jimenez first revealing his unhappiness with the situation last week.

    “I am happy here, but you never know what can happen in football,” said Jimenez following the 2-0 top-flight victory against Sharjah on February 4. “Grafite is one of my best friends, we arrived together here [in 2011].

    “In football it is very hard to find people like Grafite. This happened with Hugo Viana, as well.”

    Jimenez’s time with Ahli appears to have reached an unfitting ending, the midfielder being booked during Sunday’s momentum-sapping 1-0 defeat to Al Shabab.

    Recommended