Abu Dhabi: Chilean star Jorge Valdivia is excited at the prospect of playing alongside UAE striker Esmail Mattar and Brazilian midfielder Denilson after signing up for Al Wahda.
The experienced former Al Ain playmaker, who helped his country win the Copa America for the first time earlier this month, is still awaiting clearance from former club Palmeiras in Brazil, as he is contracted with them until August 15.
But 68-cap Valdivia — who will reportedly earn €2.5 million (Dh10.12 million) a year with Al Wahda — can’t wait to meet up with his new teammates, who have already started preparations for the new season at a training camp in Germany.
“I’m happy to be back in the UAE and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of a team with some great players like Esmail Mattar,” the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by the Arabic press on Wednesday.
“I have played against Al Wahda and so against Mattar, but now I’m happy to play together in one team, as he is a great player.”
Of former Arsenal midfielder Denilson, Valdivia added: “I know Denilson as we have played together in the Brazilian league. He is one of the key deals and one of the reasons for my consent to make the move to this unit.
“Also there is the Argentinian [Sebastian] Tagliabue and that makes a good combination.”
Valdivia, who previously played in the UAE between 2008 and 2010, also expressed his delight that he will be playing under well-respected coach Javier Aguirre, who has previously led the Mexican and Japanese national teams and Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza and Espanyol in a career spanning more than two decades.
“With the team being led by Aguirre, who has so much experience of having coached top teams around the globe, I think the team has all the elements for the competition and it makes the team a strong contender,” said Valdivia.
With Chile having finally secured their first major trophy thanks to their Copa America win on home soil, the Al Wahda new-boy feels the talented La Roja squad can go on to greater things.
“That tournament [Copa America] has become a thing of the past and we have to look for new challenges and achievements. Never before has Chile arrived to this stage and I consider that this team is capable of reaching great heights and can retain the continental title,” he said.
“But the most important thing is to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
“He [coach Jorge Sampaoli] needs to stay there because he knows how to make the most of the individual potential and he deals with you professionally. He knew how to make the most of the players and make them play as a unit and we all saw that at the Copa America.”
