DUBAI // Brazilian striker Neto Berola is hoping to make a splash in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) in the coming season after signing a one-year loan deal with Al Wasl.
A teammate of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho at Atletico Mineiro for the past two years, Berola will be making his first appearance outside his home country and is determined to make a good impression.
“This will be my first experience outside Brazil and I want to make it a successful one,” Berola said. “So I will work hard, try to adapt quickly and give everything I have to the team’s cause.
“With the support of the fans, our performance on the pitch will improve and hopefully we will achieve the desired results.”
Berola, 26, comes as a replacement for the Argentine Mariano Donda, who had a strong 2011/12 season but was hurt most of the past two campaigns.
Berola is expected to lead the Wasl attack alongside Brazilian compatriot Ricardo Oliveira, though the club is yet to make a final decision on the three foreign players still on their books with Chilean-Palestinian Edson Puch and Argentine Emmanuel Culio the other two.
Winner of the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Mineiro last year, Berola says the presence of compatriot and 1994 World Cup winner Jorginho at the helm in Wasl was the main reason for his decision to move to the Dubai club.
“Jorginho is a big coach in Brazilian football, and his presence here was one of the most important reasons for my decision to join the club,” Berola said. “I also wanted a new experience outside Brazil, so I thank the Wasl management for giving me this opportunity and showing trust in me.
“I hope I can live up to the expectations of the club and the fans, and satisfy their ambitions.”
Al Wahda also have made a new addition to their squad, giving the promising striker Majid Rashid a four-year deal.
Rashid, 22, played a big part in Fujairah’s promotion to the AGL last season.
“Rashid is a versatile player,” a Wahda spokesman said. “He can play in the centre of attack, on the left or right wing, or even as a playmaker.
“He was in great form last season and was chosen by the coaching staff, led by Jose Peseiro, as one of the players we wanted to strengthen our attack for the next season.”
Baniyas have confirmed the Chilean Carlos Munoz will continue with the team next season, but the Abu Dhabi club have still not made a decision about their coach.
“We are still negotiating with a number of coaches and our talks are at an advanced stage,” said Mohammed Al Menhali, a member of the club’s board.
“We are also looking to hire some distinct foreign players, as well, and the picture will be clearer in the next few days.”
arizvi@thenational.ae
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