Omar Abdul Rahman: I am in no hurry to move to Europe

Al Ain: Al Ain ace Omar Abdul Rahman says it is his dream to play in Europe, but that he is in no hurry to move from the Etisalat Pro-League champions.

It’s been quite a year for the midfielder, who’s been described as the icon of UAE football on the Fifa website following some eye-catching displays at home and abroad.

He was a member of the first UAE football team to reach the Olympics and starred at London 2012 and in January, was an integral figure in the UAE’s Gulf Cup triumph in Bahrain.

This, combined with some superb displays with Al Ain, led to reported interest from high-profile suitors such as Barcelona.

But after Al Ain had retained their title after a 3-0 win over Dubai on Thursday night, Abdul Rahman said he was in no hurry to move. He said: “I am still at the start of my career. Yes, it is one of my dreams to play professional football in Europe, but that depends upon the nature of the offers and the decision taken by my club. I am in no hurry [to move].

“I am sure that if I have the chance of playing in Europe that will surely benefit the country’s national team as well as opening the door to more players from the UAE to play there. I am sure there are many players who can do that and succeed in playing top competitive football; they only need a chance to prove themselves.

“At the moment I am happy to be part of the Al Ain team that won the title twice in as many seasons and we still have many obligations whether in the domestic or continental levels which we have to concentrate upon before starting our celebrations.”

The 21-year-old also paid tribute to his teammates for the role they played in his development.

He said: “I am not a one-man-team. Everything I have achieved is a product of the work of the whole team as football is not an individual sport and I am grateful for the help of my colleagues both in the national team and the club who helped me to be what I am.”