Ibrahim Diaky reinforces his allegiance: ‘My heart and mind will always be with Al Ain’

Experienced star was expected to sign last month with Al Jazira, whom he represented from 2005-2013, having been released by Al Ain. However, last week Al Ain offered Diaky a new one-year contract, writes John McAuley.

Al Ain's Ibrahim Diaky, right, battles with Saudi Arabia Al Shabab's Omar Al Ghamdi for possession during their AFC Champions League Group B football match in Riyadh on April 22, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FAYShow more

Ibrahim Diaky says his "heart and mind" was always with Al Ain after the midfielder returned to the club despite almost moving to Al Jazira.

The experienced star, 34, was expected to sign last month with Jazira, whom he represented from 2005 to 2013, having been released by Al Ain. He had been training with Jazira at their camp in Holland.

However, last week Al Ain offered Diaky a new one-year contract, since they view his experience as key to their upcoming quest for trophies.

More John McAuley and AGL

• About-face for Ibrahim Diaky, who will stay with Al Ain after all

• Newcastle United reject Al Jazira bid for Cheick Tiote, but valuations not far apart

On August 23, Al Ain play the first leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-finals against Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv before they begin their 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign on September 18.

Speaking to Al Ain’s official website, Diaky said: “It’s no secret, but I didn’t feel at all that I’d left Al Ain, so continuing with them is normal. They were the first club who wanted to sign me before I went to Al Jazira so they are special to me.

“I received an offer long ago from Jazira, but Zlatko told me there was the need for me to stay with the team for the next phase. My heart and mind will always be with Al Ain, so the desire was always to stay.

“Zlatko gave me all the confidence and support and asked me to help Al Ain’s journey in the new season, because there’s a new challenge and we want to achieve our goals together.”

On next season’s targets, Diaky added: “We’re facing major challenges and the priority is always the Asian title, which has been the club seeking for many years.

“It’s the most important goal for me on a personal level because it is the only achievement I didn’t achieve through my career with Al Ain and Jazira.”

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