DUBAI // Al Ahli forward Ciel says he is fully committed to finishing the season strongly with the club amid rumours he is poised for a move to Al Wahda.
The Brazilian, who joined from Al Shabab in 2013, returned to first-team action in January following 16 months out injured and helped his side claim the Arabian Gulf League title.
However, despite scoring five goals in 13 league matches since making his comeback, Ciel is expected to leave Ahli this summer when his contract expires. He says he has not discussed his future with the club, with Wahda emerging as a likely next destination.
Even at age 34, Ciel’s stock remains high. In three years at Ahli, he has captured two league crowns and the Arabian Gulf Cup. For now, though, the winger insists he is focused solely on winning more with Ahli: after the league’s final round on May 8, they face Al Shaab five days later for a place in the semi-finals of the President’s Cup.
"For me, Al Ahli is my concentration," Ciel said. "Five months ago, everyone said I'm signing for Al Shaab, for Sharjah, for Emirates, but I stayed at Ahli. I want to finish the league, finish the President's Cup.
“I have a contract until August and only when that finishes can I speak about it. I don’t know if I’ll stay or go to another club.”
Ciel praised Ahli for their patience during his long absence. He suffered a double fracture to his ankle in the opening match of the 2014/15 season, leading to doubts that his career was finished. Ciel said winning a second UAE championship was therefore extra special.
“For me, it’s a very good moment,” he said. “I stopped for one year and four months, had a big operation, but I came back in January and to be champions is very, very good. It was very important for me to come back and play and win with Ahli.
“For me and my family, Ahli gave me the opportunity and this was very important.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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