Dutch star Wesley Sneijder poses with his new Al Gharafa jersey at his unveiling for the QSL club yesterday. Picture by Kammutty VP/The Peninsula
DOHA: Dutch international Wesley Sneijder yesterday pledged to groom young players at his new club Al Gharafa, saying he could barely wait to pull on the team jersey after signing an 18-month deal.
The 2010 World Cup finalist, now 33, was unveiled as Al Gharafa captain by the club in the presence of team owners, football officials and a huge group of media in Doha yesterday.
Sneijder, who kicked off his career at Ajax before going on to play for Real Madrid, Internazionale, Galatasary and Nice, said he rejected offers ‘from everywhere’ to be in Qatar.
“I’ve received a very warm welcome in Qatar. I am happy I chose Al Gharafa as my new club. Frankly speaking I can’t wait to get started,” Sneijder said at his unveiling ceremony.
“I didn’t have any concerns about playing here. I have come to play football. I have an 18-month contract. It’s on the team coach to see if I play on Friday. It’s not my decision. Its the coach’s decision. I want to start as soon as possible,” he said with a smile.
“As I said there were some offers. They came from everywhere. As soon I as started having discussions with Al Gharafa, I didn’t take too long to make my decision. It’s amazing here. I chose Qatar over other countries,” the attacking midfielder said..
“I want to bring my experience to Al Gharafa and share that experience and knowledge with the young players of this squad. I have heard that there is a plenty of young talent in this club. I want to help them to improve their qualities. I am happy to be here,” said the seasoned campaigner.
Mahmood Al Ghazal, Al Gharafa’s head of football, said yesterday: “We are happy to have this great player to appear for us. He is a famous name. We tried to get him before four years ago but we are happy to get him now. We needed such a player. We have young players. He will be the captain of the team.”
The most-capped Dutch international said he was given the feedback on football in Qatar by ‘good friend’ Anouar Diba.
“Yes, I have a friend here Diba. He has played (in Qatar) for 10 years. I asked him for information. I have a fair bit of information about the league. I know the league is competitive. I hope I can play my part in helping the younger players,” Sneijder said.
The Dutch star said he wasted little time in settling for Al Gharafa offer as he had sufficient information to make a decision.
“The entire process went very fast. I had a couple of days to think about it. I spoke to some people. I wanted to play football. People here wanted me to play in Qatar. There was speculation that I may go to China or the US but here I am. So, let’s start,” he added.
Sneijder thanked the club management for helping him make the decision.
“To be honest my choice is to play football. Al Gharafa believe in me. They still feel I am a great player and they think I can do great here,” Sneijder said.
When asked whether he met or spoke with Al Sadd captain Xavi, he said: “I didn’t get to speak with Xavi. I know he is here. For sure I will meet him. He is a great player. He is a gentleman.”
Sneijder said it was disappointing to see Holland miss the World Cup bus for the second time in a row.
“It’s a shame that Holland will not be at the (2018) World Cup. We were not there at the last World Cup (in 2014). I feel sorry for our fans that we have to miss the World Cup again. Let’s try for the next one,” Sneijder said.
