Sanogo looks forward to fourth season with Al Ain

Cote d'Ivoire striker Boubacar Sanogo is looking forward to another successful season with President's Cup winners Al Ain.

Speaking to Gulf News, the lanky striker whose goal poaching skills have left many a rival defence stunned said he has enjoyed every bit of his four-year stay with the club.

"Al Ain is a big club and most importantly I like the management and the entire structure of the club. The fans are huge and extend tremendous support and I have enjoyed it. It is like my second home," said Sanogo, whose goal sealed a 3-1 extra time win for Al Ain over league champions Al Wahda.

"In my personal opinion we have had a great season. WE finished runners-up in the league, qualified for the AFC Champions League quarterfinals and now we have won the President's Cup. We have finished the season in style," he said.

Though Sanogo has been hit by injuries, the Cote d'Ivoire star has been a consistent performer and helped Al AIn win three consecutive league title and also the AFC Champions League in 2003.

"I had to watch Al Ain's triumph in the 2003 AFC Champions League as I was injured. Now I am looking forward to play and help the team in the knock-out stage," he said.

Referring to Al Ain's rivals Pas from Iran, Sanogo said, "They are a good side. All eight teams in the quarterfinals are the best and we will work hard to make it."

It was Sanogo's brace, including one of the most brilliant goals of the season, which helped Al Ain clinch the last eight berth with a 3-2 win over group leaders Sepahan of Iran.

Sanogo said he was looking forward to a new strike partner after Brazilian Edilson decided to return home.

"Well that is football and that is life. We had a good partnership going. I heard that the club has signed Nigerian Anoukashi. I am sure we will forge a good combination," said Sanogo.