Sport | Football
UAE's Al Kamali first Arab football player in Brazil
The only UAE national playing professional football in Brazil is set to feature in two Under 20 international tournaments.
- By Sayed Ali, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:25 August 4, 2008
Dubai: The only UAE national playing professional football in Brazil is set to feature in two Under 20 international tournaments.
Mario Bertraligya, president of Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense, said the UAE's Ali Al Kamali would participate in the competitions in Germany and Holland later this month.
"Al Kamali as the first Arab player to play professional in Brazil, showed an excellent standard with our club so far.
"His fine talent and great skills were wonderful and proved that he will be a great player," said the Atletico president.
"He will go step by step according to the plan, which we put for him to promote his form and skills until he reaches the standard, which we are aiming for him to reach," he said.
The UAE national took part in two matches in Crotshiba in Brazil and he scored three goals over both games.
Also he scored one goal for his club against German side FC Flondorf and Atletico won the match 2-1.
Clever
Atletico Paranaense coach Sergio Shina said: "Al Kamali is a very clever player. He listens to what I say and practices in a very good way as a player wants to learn new things everyday.
"His talent will help him to become a very good player in the future."
He said Al Kamali was a deadly finisher and knows where the goal is.
Al Kamali said that he is pleased to take part in international tournaments with big clubs from Europe.
"I will do my best to benefit and gain experience by playing against famous European clubs. I hope to score more goals for my new club."
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