Ryan Babel vows to ‘do my very best’ to win over fans after rocky start to life at Al Ain

Ryan Babel of Al Ain. Anas Kanni / Al Ittihad

AL AIN // Ryan Babel has asked Al Ain supporters for one last chance to prove himself after he was disciplined by the club for his use of social media.

The former Liverpool forward, who signed for the UAE champions in the summer on a two-year contract, has struggled to win over the Al Ain support and was last week embroiled in another heated exchange on Twitter.

Babel, 28, has been heavily criticised for his performances since joining from Turkey’s Kasimpasa, having only scored one goal in five Arabian Gulf League appearances. Al Ain, though, sit top of the table after seven rounds.

However, on Friday, Babel retaliated to criticism by posting an image on his Twitter account of him in action for Al Ain with the hashtag “Babel Out”. It prompted a strong reaction from the club’s fans.

The following day, they confronted Babel at training, which in turn led to Zlatko Dalic, the coach, speaking to supporters in the stands to diffuse the situation.

Al Ain held a meeting with Babel on Saturday, where they warned him about his future conduct. There has been speculation that the Dutchman has been fined 40 per cent of his weekly wage and made to train with the Under 21 team.

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Speaking in a statement released by the club, Babel said: “Things are clear to me after today’s meeting during which I discovered that I have overstepped the mark due to lack of understanding, but not intentionally. We are one family here and no one wants to insult anyone on purpose. I hope that my apology is accepted by Al Ain fans and I’m ready to accept any decision taken by the club.”

The meeting with the Al Ain management also discussed his performances so far this season. Babel has played 10 matches in all competitions, scoring twice.

“I know I have not performed at 100 per cent until now and I promise everyone that I will do my very best in the coming period and I await the fans support for myself and the rest of the team,” Babel said.

“I hope that Al Ain’s supporters can trust me. Given another, last chance I have no doubts that you will back me when I wear the Al Ain shirt so that I can perform to your expectations. As a team we will be stronger and can win titles domestically and on the continent.

“No player can be at his best for a whole season, at some points he needs the backing of the fans during the difficult time times. If we are united, we will reach our goals.”

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