Fernandinho adds to Al Jazira's Brazilian contingent

Fernando Luiz Pereira da Silva, popularly known as Fernandinho, has been unveiled as Al Jazira's new foreign player.

The Brazilian said he is excited to sign for a leading club in the country and play beside long-time friend and countryman Ricardo Oliveira in the Pro League.

"I gathered almost all the information from him before signing for Jazira," the 26-year-old left winger said.

"Ricardo is in his fourth season at Jazira and he was my best source to get all the information. I have known him for many years back in Brazil. I admire him as a professional player and now with an opportunity to play beside him.

"He has remained strong and maintained his high level as a player. I am here to help him to achieve some of his ambitions with the club."

Fernandinho signed a three-year deal and said: "I played in South Korea for a few months but this is the first time I have signed a long term contract outside Brazil.

"It is a new experience for me to play in the UAE. I feel I am at the top of my game at the moment and could contribute immensely to the success of Jazira.

"I am aware Jazira are a big team with high title ambitions. I am here to contribute to their success."

The process of Fernandinho's move to the Gulf began more than two months ago with his lawyer and agent arriving in Abu Dhabi for talks.

"They began negotiations and I was happy everything panned out well. I am very motivated and excited of the new job. I have been told we have four titles to play for and I want to play a major role to achieve those ambitions."

apassela@thenational.ae

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