Ricardo Oliveira, the family guy, who moved to Al Wasl’s ‘cool project’

The Brazilian says family did not want to move out of Dubai even though clubs from back home had contacted him.

Ricardo Oliveira moved from Al Jazira to Al Wasl because his family likes Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National
Powered by automated translation

DUBAI // Ricardo Oliveira says family was the biggest reason for his decision to continue his stay in the UAE despite tempting offers from back home.

Several Brazilian clubs, including his former employers Sao Paulo, expressed an interest in the Al Jazira striker after he was told he was surplus to requirements by the Abu Dhabi club earlier this month, but the 33-year-old Brazilian instead took up Al Wasl’s offer of an 18-month deal.

“There was a lot of pressure on me from Brazilian clubs, including Sao Paulo, to return home,” Oliveira said. “I would like to thank all those clubs who tried to contact me, but my family feels really comfortable here and they wish to continue living here.

“I did not contact any clubs in Brazil, they contacted me. I am not thinking about going back home or thinking about finishing my career in Brazil. My family really loves this country, especially Dubai.

“So they were the main reasons for my decision to stay in the UAE. Of course, the Wasl management also played a big part. They showed me a really cool project for the club. They have been investing in quality players and have a very experienced coach in Hector Cuper.”

Oliveira was thrust into first-team duty against Al Shaab on Friday, despite not having trained with the team.

“I need some time to show the level that everyone expects from me,” said Oliveira, whose last appearance for Jazira was on January 2 in the 1-1 draw at Sharjah.

Cuper is also confident his new star recruit will play a big part in turning around the fortunes of a team who are currently 10th in the Arabian Gulf League table.

“We all know how good a player he is,” said the Argentine. “With the league stopping for a few days now, he has the time to get in sync with the team. Hopefully, he will also get more support from the rest of the team than he got in the game against Shaab.”

During his four-year stay at Jazira, Oliveira scored 82 goals and helped Jazira win their first league title, in 2010/11, two President’s Cups (2010 and 2011) and an Etisalat Cup (2010). He was also the top scorer in the 2012 Asian Champions League with 12 goals.

Rashid Belhoul, the Wasl chairman, said capturing Oliveria’s signature was not necessarily the end of the club’s ecruitment drive.

“There is the possibility of contracting with new local players,” he said. “The transfer window is still open and we have the opportunity of bringing new elements. If bringing a new player will serve the interests of the team, there will be no delay in signing him.”

arizvi@thenational.ae

Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE