Pride of Abu Dhabi sign Ghaferi on free transfer deal

Al Jazira announced the signing of experienced midfielder Sultan Al Ghaferi on a free transfer deal from Al Wahda on Wednesday.

Ghaferi will join his new ‘Pride of Abu Dhabi’ team-mates for the first time during this month’s summer training camp in the Netherlands for the new 2019-20 season.

The 32-year-old Emirati brings plenty of experience to his new club, having featured in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL), Arabian Gulf Super Cup, President’s Cup and the AFC Champions League.

He has also represented the UAE national team, winning five caps.

He has already played for the Bani Yas, Al Ain and Al Wahda clubs.

Last season he played 30 matches with Al Wahda.

Prior to joining Al Wahda, where he spent four years, Ghaferi had enjoyed good run at Baniyas and Al Ain.

Ayed Mabkhout Al Hajeri, board member of Al Jazira and CEO of the Football Company said: “We are delighted to have completed all the procedures of the contract with Sultan Al Ghafri to make him officially join the club and we are confident for his appearance in a distinctive way.

“We are all looking forward to work with him. His talent and football mentality will be invaluable to the squad.

“He brings in a lot of experience with him from which our young players will be benefited and we believe he will help these youngsters to reach their potential through our campaign in the new season.”

“We wish him and all his team-mates a great season ahead and hope to see them meet the expectations of the management and fans through their performances,” he concluded.

Ghaferi said: “I am thrilled to have joined Al Jazira and eager to join my new team-mates for the summer training camp for the preparations for next season.”

“I feel honoured that the club had placed their trust in my abilities.

“I will perform at my best to contribute to the success of the Pride of Abu Dhabi and promise the fans to bring them joy through our performance.

“Wearing the shirt of Pride of Abu Dhabi brings a lot of responsibilities and challenges which is really exciting and I am happy to be a part of that.”

“I am looking forward to working with Jurgen Struppel and his coaching staff.

“I would also like to thank Al Wahda club and its fans for the excellent time I have spent with them over the past years.

“I pledge to Al Jazira and its fans to fight and sacrifice and double the effort to achieve more successes for the club.”

Meanwhile, Al Jazira and the first team player Nacer Barazite have announced that they have terminated their contractual agreement by mutual consent.

The club thanked Nacer for his valued contribution to the team during the last season and wishes him best of luck for the future.

Al Jazira got off to a perfect start in the 2018/19 AGL, however, they failed to keep the momentum going as they finished off their campaign in fifth place with 45 points.

The Pride of Abu Dhabi’s strong offensive performance highlighted their performance since kick-off. Ten points and 15 goals were amongst Al Jazira’s spoils in their first four matches of the season.

After remaining unbeaten for 11 games, they succumbed to their first defeat of the season in matchweek 12 when they lost 3-2 to Al Dhafra.

No significant impact was felt from foreign players including Barazite, Ernest Asante and Sebastian Siani.