I came here with aspirations of winning - Navarro

Dubai : Al Wasl Club's latest foreign signing has assured cent per cent commitment on and off the field to ensure the club regain their past glory.

"As a professional I am here to give of my best, both on and off the field. And my ambition is to win all the trophies that are on offer during the season," Francisco Javier Yeste Navarro told Gulf News on Friday.

Yeste, as he is fondly known, signed a two-year contract worth an undisclosed amount with the Dubai club after spending 11 years with La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao.

"I come here with aspirations of winning. And as a professional I see myself and my influence both on and off the field," the 30-year-old attacking midfielder promised. Al Wasl blossomed in the later stages of the UAE Football League (UFL), becoming the best finisher among Dubai clubs while ending in fifth position behind champions Al Wahda, Al Jazira, Al Ain and Bani Yas in the 12-team table. They were also crowned Gulf Clubs Champions to cap a reasonably good season. "I studied the composition of football and clubs in the UAE and chose Al Wasl because they seemed to suit me best at this stage of my career," Yeste said.Al Wasl has been crowned UAE League Champions on seven occasions, with their last win coming in 2006-'07.

"For me this is a fresh stage in my career, and I hope to take this club to many more glorious moments," Yeste promised.

Clubs can have three foreign players on their roster for the new season. Al Wasl already have Brazilian player Alexandre Oliveira and Oman's Mohammad Sheeba.

Club's hope

Very high standard

A top official from Al Wasl is convinced their new Spanish signing will make the right impact at the club. "We studied the player and we are convinced that he brings such professional attributes to the table that he will have an impact, both on and off the field," said Swaidan Al Naboodah, manager of Al Wasl's senior team. "This player is of a very high standard after playing in La Liga for such a long time. He has the quality that will see us aspiring for a top-three position next season," Al Naboodah added.