(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Sonner than later Emirati players will be grabbing headlines in European scene, which will be a first-of-its-kind experience for the UAE football. Fujairah Sports Club's former coach Diego Maradona has confirmed taking Emirati players to his Belarusian club Dynamo Brest, where he is named as the chairman.
The football legend announced his intentions during a press conference held at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night. Maradona said he was 'very honoured' to have signed a three-year contract with the Belarus club. "I have spent some beautiful time in Dubai and moving for Belarus is just looking for new horizons and work. And I will do it with same passion as I did here in the UAE."
Maradona recollected the 150-km travel from Dubai to Fujairah to be with his boys on the training ground. "I have good memories when I played with the boys. I have all of them in my heart. The UAE players are very good. They just need to work and it is something I have to teach them. I will acquire UAE players for my team," he said surprising one and all at the press conference.
"First I need to see what is lacking in the team. I need to see the players on the field. It will be only then I can take a decision as to which place I need new players. I have lot of love for players I have coached. So don't be surprised if tomorrow, three Emirati players are in my team. The players have conquered my heart with their work. When we went to the Netherlands for pre-season training, it was like a high school group but when we returned to Fujairah, we had an idea as to how we wanted to play. I wasn't afraid of challenges then and not to this one. I will definitely take Emirati players with me," Maradona said.
Maradona is mindful there will be no Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar Jr coming to Brest but he is sure about making a competitive team. "In my heart there is a ball beating. I can be the chairman of Dynamo Brest and of course this is a new challenge for me. From player to coach, and from coach to chairman, it's not something that can be taught in a meeting. Of course we will have meetings with them and we'll do our best with Dynamo Brest. With good work and consolidated effort, we can have a great team."
For long Al Ain playmaker Omar Abdulrahman had been linked with moves to European clubs. Such a move would not have just put the Emirati player on international map but the UAE football too.
UAE's former international Subait Khater said now all such ambitions can be realised with Emirati player getting exposure abroad. "Maradona has done a lot for the UAE. A big number of people started supporting, following and watching our League. He can make similar impact with Belarusian club." The former Al Ain and Al Jazira superstar said the announcement by Maradona was awelcoming one.
"He can now get our players in the Belarus club. This is a very good move. He is turning out to be the man who can take our player out of the box. This move is an interesting one for us. The UAE players must now be ready for the big test."
Dynamo Brest by winning the Belarusian Cup 2017-18 entered the second qualifying round of UEFA Europa League. The draw for the second qualifying round will be held on June 19 and the first leg will be played on July 26.
Dynamo Brest vice-chairman Valdas Ivanauskas has given thumbs up to any suggestions being made by Maradona. "We were talking to Diego to some days back. Our first game is July 26 and if Diego says this player can help us, and then he is welcome. If Diego says we need this player then we will find a way to bring him to the club," Ivanauskas said.
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