The Arabian Gulf league starts for Al Wahda with a game against Dibba Al Fujairah but it looks like one of their most recent acquisitions will not be able to take part due to late arrival.
Jorge Valdivia is one of the summer recruits for the middle-east outfit. However, he will be coming to the club and completing the formalities only a day after the opening game of the campaign. Despite this setback,Al Wahda are confident of getting three points from the game. The Chilean playmaker will be seen as an integral link in theAl Wahda team.
At 31 years of age, he still has a lot of time left in the game. His situation is similar to that of Denilson – the former Arsenal midfielder who has also joined the club in the summer. Previously,Valdivia has represented the likes of Palmeiras. He is not a stranger to Arabian football after having previously had a stint with Al Ain for two years between 2008 and 2010. Denilson, though, is the newcomer to Arabian football. After having spent the majority of his professional career at Arsenal, he has spent the last couple of seasons at São Paulo. Many were left surprised at his decision to leave the Brazilian team once again.
“From the beginning, I understood Valdivia’s relationship with Palmeiras ended on August 17. He has to arrange some personal things, so he will arrive [in the UAE] on August 21. It has not affected our preparations. I am really happy with the team I have. Valdivia is coming and will arrive. I spoke with him already, sending him plans – we are under way. The management of Dibba Al Fujairah contracted some good foreign players. We respect the opponent, but what concerns us is the performance of our team only,” said theAl Wahda coach.
