After years of speculation, debate and frustration among the fans in the Arab football world, UAE international Abdulrahman finally seems to be ready to make his long awaited move to Europe.
Abdulrahman had a trial with Manchester City and has had offers fromArsenal, Espanyol, Sevillato name a few in the past, but the move that every Arab football fan craved never came and time seems to have run out on his inevitable move to Europe.
The creative midfielder, 26, will be out of contract with Al Ain next summer.Born in Saudi Arabia, he moved to Al-Ain, the most successful football club in UAE’s history, 11 years ago– winning nine trophies including three Arabian Gulf League titles.
Konami
He is dubbed the Arabian Lionel Messi, was named 2016 Asian Player of the Year and was named in the top 3 finalists of the 2017 Asian Player of the Year last month
Abdulrahman has 57 caps for the UAE national team, scoring nine goals with spectacular displays in tournaments like the Asian Cup 2015, Gulf Cup 2013 and the London Olympics 2012.
Omar hopes to emulate fellow Arab, Liverpool’s Egypt star Salah, who has become a hero in his nation after taking his country to the World Cup after 28 years.
Abdulrahman said: “I received offers from Nice and Arsenal, but the negotiations fell through.
Reuters
“I also had a two-week trial with Manchester City in 2013, and nearly joined them but UAE’s FIFA ranking was low, so I could not get registered. I now have offers from Turkish clubs.
“It is still my dream to play in Europe. My contract with Al Ain runs out in six months, so it possible for me to go there soon.
“Salah managed to raise the name of Egypt in the footballing world, and guided them to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
“My aim is to become like him.”
