Dubai: Al Ahli club announced in a press conference yesterday the signing of three new foreign players - two from Brazil, Marcos Assuncao and Clederson Cesar de Souza, and one from France, Gregory Dufrennes. New coach Yousif Al Zuwawi from Tunisia was also unveiled.
Sources claimed the signing of Assuncao cost Dh4.5 million and Clederson cost Dh3.5 million.
Both the Brazilians signed one-year deals, while French striker Gregory agreed to stay for three years.
The press conference held at Rashid Stadium with the attendance of Hamad Obaid Allah, the Al Ahli club board of directors' deputy chairman, along with other club officials and senior players.
Obaid Allah said he hopes the new players can add more to the Al Ahli club and contribute with the local players and technical staff to recapture the club's past glory and help in winning titles in the new season.
The Al Ahli deputy chairman thanked the club's former board and said that they did a great job and the new members hoped they can continue the good work.
New coach Al Zuwawi expressed his happiness to train a senior football team like Al Ahli.
"I take this opportunity to thank the Al Ahli board for selecting me to become senior team coach," said Al Zuwawi.
"I know that it's not an easy job to take care of one of the big names in UAE soccer.
"The supporters, board and players are always looking to win titles and I hope to contribute with the assistance of all the Al Ahli family to achieve the goals and to win titles in the new season."
The Tunisian said it will be his fourth season in UAE soccer. He spent the last two seasons with Al Shaab club in Sharjah and before that was with the Sharjah club for one season.
The three players said they are happy to sign with the club because they had heard Al Ahli are title winners and they hope they will lead the team to more trophies in the forthcoming season.
