Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Gabriel Fernandez signs a two-deal with Qatar’s Al Sadd in the presence of club officials in Doha yesterday.
DOHA: Football giants Al Sadd have signed a two-year deal with Spain’s Gabriel Fernandez.
The 34-year-old former Atletico Madrid midfielder, who arrived in Doha yesterday, can extend the contract to a third season provided both parties agree to renewing the deal.
Fernandez was received at the Hamad International Airport by Al Sadd officials Turki Al Ali, general manager of the club, Mohammed Ghulam Al Balooshi, sports director of the club, and Ahmed Al Ansari, media officer.
Fernandez said he was thrilled to feature for Al Sadd in the new QNB Stars League season that kicks off in August.
“It is a new challenge for me. I have decided to play in Qatar especially after many years of playing in the Spanish league,” Fernandez said.
“I am trying to play this game with all strength and great motivation,” he added. “This is a new experience for me to play in a new club,” he said.
“I have seen many places in Doha and I have seen the preparations (Qatar is making) for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including the Khalifa International Stadium, which is a great football venue. I am quite sure of the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” he told the club website.
The Spanish star said that he plans to employ all his experience to support Qatar and Qatari football.
He said: “I will try very hard to consolidate the concept of European thought in Qatar and try to help Qatari players to develop during this period.”
He added: “My goal with Al Sadd will be to compete and win titles. The AFC Champions League quarterfinals will be our first stop.”
Fernandez, known as Gaby, began his career at Atletico Madrid before moving to Getafe and Real Zaragoza. He returned to the Spanish capital in 2011 helping the side win the La Liga, the King’s Cup and the European Champions League twice and reaching the Champions League final on two occasions.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd have kicked off their pre-season training at the club premises.
Coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, Al Sadd players participated in fitness drills and featured in set-piece action during the first session held at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Club officials Turki Al Ali, General Manager, Mohamed Ghanem Al Ali, Head of Football, and Mohammed Ghulam Al Balooshi, Sports Director, were also present to watch the players in action.
The training session was attended by a large number of non-international players who will continue training on a daily basis until July 12. Al Sadd will have their pre-season tracing camp in Bad Haring in Austria until July 28.
In Austria, Ferreira’s side is scheduled to play friendlies on July 19, 23 and 27 before returning to Doha for the start of the new QNB Stars League season.
Al Sadd’s Saad Al Dosari, Meshaal Barshim, Ibrahim Majid, Pedro Miguel, Abdel Karim Hasan, Salim Al Hajri, Boualem Khokhi, Hassan Al-Haydos, Akram Afif and Ali Asad will be away from the camp as they are part of the Qatar national team training.
The new QNB Stars League season starts on August 4.
