Dubai: Al Ahli’s new Brazilian striker Rodrigo Lima has credited former Red Knights players Hugo Viana and Ricardo Quaresma with bringing him to Rashid Stadium.
Lima, 32, joined Al Ahli on a two-year deal from Portugal’s Benfica for Dh28.2 million last week. But before signing he consulted Portuguese former Al Ahli players Viana, who he played with at Braga, and Quaresma, who played against him with Porto.
Viana played for Al Ahli between 2013 and 2015 before joining Dubai rivals Al Wasl and Quaresma had a brief spell with the side in 2013.
“Hugo Viana told me a lot about the professionalism and atmosphere at this club,” Lima told Al Ahli’s official website. “He also spoke of the fans, who are loyal and always stand behind the team.
“I was first introduced to the club when Quaresma joined, and through those two players I developed a great impression of the club and did not hesitate to agree a move. Those two played a big part in my decision.”
Lima, who will team up with Brazilian striker Everton Ribeiro and South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyung-won, added: “I hope to repay everyone’s faith in me, especially those who recommended me to the club.
“There’s a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, I hope I am up to the task, and that I can score goals and help the team win trophies.”
