ABU DHABI // Rafael Sobis said that his place in the Brazilian national team was not in danger following his move from Spanish club Real Betis to Al Jazira.
The striker, 23, moved to Jazira on the back of an Olympic bronze at the Beijing Games last month. He was one of the three foreign signings for Jazira, along with compatriots Marcio Rozario and Fernando Biano.
Sobis, making his first public appearance with his new Brazilian teammates for the Abu Dhabi club said he was on top of his game and was confident his performance in the new Pro League would not go unnoticed. Sobis said he had been asked many times about his decision to move to Abu Dhabi and the impact that could have on his future with the Brazil team.
"If the national team coach Dunga wants quality players he will have to fly in to see them in action," he said.
"And if he wants to see me play, if necessary, he will travel, whether I play in Spain or the UAE.
"The coach has a good idea of my abilities and I am sure he will follow the games and my progress."
Dunga made a goodwill visit to Jazira in November and it would not be a great surprise if the Brazil coach decided to fly down for a game soon.
Sobis added that he felt he has lost nothing from moving out of the Spanish league.
"I arrived at the decision after consulting several people," he said. "I have spoken to my colleagues and some players who had a good knowledge of this region. I had also spoken to the Jazira coach Abel Braga, with whom I have worked for two years.
"It was tough for any club to get me out of Betis but Jazira succeeded. They have put a lot of faith in me and invested heavily to win the Pro League. And I want to do my best to help them achieve it. I like the set up here and I am sure I'll enjoy my stay at Jazira.
"I feel this Pro League is going to be very competitive with several high-profile signings. The region's football is growing at an alarming rate and, with competitions like the Asian Champions League and the Fifa Club World Cup, players get noticed."
Sobis joined Betis from Internacional in 2006 and made his debut as a late substitute for the Samba boys against Argentina at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium the same year.
He played again for Brazil when they beat Wales 2-0. He was also chosen as the main striker in a friendly game against Portugal.
Rozario and Biano were also unveiled at the same time and the latter was in action against the national team in a friendly straight after facing the media briefing.
"I am very excited and looking forward to play in the UAE," said Biano. "My first impression was the warmth and friendliness of my new colleagues, the technical staff and the management. I felt I was welcome."
The Brazilian trio will have their first taste of the Pro League when Jazira face neighbours Al Wahda in the opening derby match on Sept 19.
@Email:apassela@thenational.ae
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
PREMIER LEAGUE STATS
Romelu Lukaku's goalscoring statistics in the Premier League
Season/club/appearances (substitute)/goals
2011/12 Chelsea: 8(7) - 0
2012/13 West Brom (loan): 35(15) - 17
2013/14 Chelsea: 2(2) - 0
2013/14 Everton (loan): 31(2) - 15
2014/15 Everton: 36(4) - 10
2015/16 Everton: 37(1) - 18
2016/17 Everton: 37(1) - 25
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
A general guide to how active you are:
Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary
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10,000 - 12,500 steps - active
12,500 - highly active
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Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final