Al Ain coach Cosmin Olaroiu supports Omar Abdul Rahman’s European dream

Dubai: “Al Ain is a club that looks to fulfil the dreams of its players,” said coach Cosmin Olaroiu in the biggest hint yet that the UAE champions may release their star player Omar Abdul Rahman to go and play in Europe.

Following successful performances for the UAE national team at last summer’s Olympics and January’s Gulf Cup, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder has attracted a wave of interest from European clubs.

A move to Manchester City fell through due to unfilled criteria for a British work permit. This followed earlier approaches from Spain’s Espanyol and Portugal’s Benfica, which were both turned down. But recent reports suggest more clubs are now lining up a move and public opinion is mounting in support of Omar’s release.

“He deserves it [to play abroad]. He’s a fantastic player,” said Olaroiu after Al Ain’s 2-1 league win away to Al Wasl on Thursday. “I hope he gets a place abroad because he would give the UAE and football here a good image.

“He could play anywhere in Europe, but it’s important that a club gives him a chance and shows him trust because he’s a sensitive player and only when he feels confidence of everyone in the team will that start to show on the pitch.”

Asked if he thought the club would agree to let Abdul Rahman go, Olaroiu added: “Al Ain is a club that looks to win competitions, but it also looks to give its players new life and help them fulfil their dreams.

“As the coach of Al Ain, it will be difficult to let him go. He’s a very important player to lose. We saw that when he was injured and didn’t play against Dibba Fujairah recently when we lost. It was also difficult losing him through injury for much of last season.

“He’s young and can grow, but he needs to leave to start training in a different way. Here he has shown all he has to give and now it’s difficult because he’s getting fouled and injured.

“There are many club and national team matches and we are not so big enough here yet to let him get adequate rest in between. If he doesn’t have that time to recuperate, his level will stay the same. But if he goes abroad, I’m sure his quality will grow.”