Abu Dhabi: Outgoing Al Wahda striker Fernando Baiano says he wants to stay in the UAE despite interest from clubs in Spain and Brazil.
The 33-year-old Brazilian forward hasn't had his contract extended following the 2011-12 campaign in which his beleaguered Abu Dhabi outfit finished sixth.
Al Wahda have also replaced their coach Josef Hickersberger for Branko Ivankovic and released Baiano's fellow foreigners; Hugo Henrique, Magrao and Mohammad Shaiba. Gabon midfielder Eric Mouloungui, 28, from French side Nice and Jordanian defender Anas Bani Yaseen, 23, from Kuwait's Al Qadsia have signed.
Baiano bagged 47 goals in 69 appearances over three seasons at the club and 25 in 20 while on loan with Al Jazira in 2008-09, earning the award for league's top-scorer with 25.
However from a 125 per cent strike rate in that first year to 95, 71 and now 40 per cent last season, Baiano's prowess in front of goal has waned. Baiano said: "I've have made some great memories here winning the league title [2010] and the Super Cup [2011]. I was also league top-scorer (2008/09).
"I was so happy to play here and my family is now settled and all my friends are here. We will look to find the best proposal but I'd ideally like to stay. Life is very good and it's a safe place to live.
Improving
"To be honest I would like to play here one more year but my life has been such that I don't make any plans it's in God's hands. But I feel I still have two to three years of good level football to give."
Baiano added: "We lost nine to ten players this season and it wasn't that their replacements were bad but they were too young. The club didn't bring anyone in. The coach tried to do his best with what he had — but we didn't have enough. He's a good coach and I wish him the best.
"I've seen the league professionalise in my four years in the UAE and the locals have become more accepting of the coaches' direction. Step-by-step the game is improving here. They just need to invest to bring more fans into the stadiums so that we're more competitive."
