Valdivia’s return to the UAE provides welcome lift to Arabian Gulf League

Chilean helped dispel the notion that only foreign players past their prime come to the AGL, writes John McAuley

Chile's Jorge Valdivia, centre, celebrates with Arturo Vidal after scoring during a Group B match against Australia at the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba during the 2014 Fifa World Cup on June 13, 2014. WilShow more

Ask any Al Ain supporter and their affection for Jorge Valdivia still runs deep. The Chilean playmaker, with the vision and the vibrancy to turn the tightest of matches, carved his way into the heart of the Garden City club during two successful seasons in the UAE between 2008 and 2010. He is considered their finest import.

Having arrived at age 24, Valdivia helped break the mould that had suggested foreign footballers here ­arrive in the twilight of their careers. His highlights ­never grew old.

Valdivia is arguably the most gifted technician the league has seen, a player who would often conjure something from nothing. “El Mago” – “The Magician” – was an apt moniker as he routinely pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

A set-piece specialist, Valdivia’s contribution captured the League Cup in 2009 and the President’s Cup a week later.

In the former, he assisted Shehab Ahmed for the winner. In the latter, during which Valdivia was subject to some particularly harsh tackling from Al Shabab’s defenders, he struck a post with a free-kick.

Valdivia’s surprise return with Fujairah should be celebrated. He is older and perhaps a little more jaded after four seasons in Brazil, but the recent Fifa World Cup suggested that, at 30, he retains the ability to leave his mark. A typically expert finish in the Group B opener against Australia underlined his appeal.

Until Thursday, Mirko Vucinic, at Al Jazira, and Miroslav Stoch, at Al Ain, had been this market’s signature acquisitions, but not now that Valdivia is set to cast his spell on the UAE once more.

He is a welcome addition.

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