(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Al Jazira's new signing Leonardo Rodrigues was paraded at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday evening.
Leonardo was an attacking midfielder with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and was instrumental in the South Korean side lifting the AFC Champions League title. The Brazilian was keen to play in the Arabian Gulf League.
"Al Jazira opened its doors for me. I wish to start playing soon with my new friends. I have done well for Jeonbuk and I want to do the same here," he said referring to the Korean club winning the 2014, 2015 K League Classic and being runner-up last year.
The midfielder has a bigger dream too. "I want to take this club to the top in Asia. I want to help this club win the Champions League."
He was 'happy' after the first training session with his new team. "Within next five days or so, I should be ready to play."
Remembering his AFC Champions League finals against Al Ain, he said: "This is a strong League."
How the deal was clinched as many other clubs were wooing the winger? "Al Jazira contacted my agents like 10 days before I came here. I think I have made the best choice in my career. I am 30 years now. I have two-and-half-year contract and hope to win many trophies for the club."
"This is my new home," he said while thanking fans, who came to see their new star.
If his registration and other paper works are done, he may play the Arabian Gulf Cup semifinal against Al Ahli on Monday.
Meanwhile, head coach Henk ten Cate said Leonardo is an intelligent player but he will have to prove his worth in the League.
"With lot of young players, it is very important to have someone with his experience. But he has to prove himself. There is no guarantee. There are many foreigners here but not all of them are successful. This is a League where you have to work your socks off to get results and to show that you are a good player. He has to show us that he is better than what we had." -
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