Abu Dhabi: It was a memorable day for Al Ain’s Brazilian striker Caio Lucas as he met and shared space with his country’s legendary defender Roberto Carlos, who was in the capital to promote the Fifa Club World Cup to be held here in December.
“I was stunned to learn that he is aware of Al Ain and has followed our matches in between. Such things are always a huge motivation. It is good to know Carlos follows us and is aware of what’s happening in the UAE,” said a thrilled Caio, whose team will be taking part in the Club World Cup as the hosts nation.
“Club World Cup is a competition that all football players want to be part of. I also want to make the most of playing in this tournament. I will be giving my best so that my team can reach the final. That’s our goal. I would say I met Carlos at the right time and I feel if I can try and achieve something that he has achieved … that will be great,” felt Caio, who added that Al Ain has the potential to come up trumps against some of the best club teams in the world.
- Caio Lucas » Al Ain striker
“Everyone might feel we are weak but that’s not the case. We can match the best at the Club World Cup and are working very hard to make a good season. We want to be the champions in the league and also go all the way in the Club World Cup,” said Caio, whose side lost the services of their key medio Omar Abdul Rahman — with the latter having joined Saudi’s Al Hilal on a free transfer during the summer.
Omar had led the garden city side to both the Arabian Gulf League title and the President’s Cup. His absence is a blow but Al Ain have still managed to make an impressive start to the Arabian Gulf League season and are currently tied with Sharjah on 13 points, but occupy the second spot in the standings on goal difference.
Caio’s impressive performance at the wings for Al Ain hasn’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the world. A couple of days back, the 24-year-old was linked to Portuguese club FC Porto as a successor to their Algerian international Brahimi.
“I’m happy to complete my third year with Al Ain. Yes, I am happy to learn that I’m getting offers to play for other clubs. Having said that, I want to play for Al Ain and want to complete my four-year contract with the club. As of now, I’m looking to complete that one more year and keep doing well,” revealed Caio, whose club is looking to beef up the midfield by including Portuguese attacking midfielder Ruben Ribeiro and Malian midfielder Tongo Doumbia from Lisbon side Sporting and Dinamo Zagreb, respectively.
