Dubai: UAE and Al Ain midfielder Omar Abdul Rahman will make history in December when he becomes the first Emirati to play for a Rest of the World XI in a charity match against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janiero.
The 21-year-old playmaker, who was named player of the tournament as he helped the UAE win the 2013 Gulf Cup, received an invite from the Brazilian Football Confederation on Monday via the UAE Football Association.
If accepted, ‘Amoory’ will walk out at the historic stadium alongside the likes of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli.
“My happiness with this invitation is indescribable. The opportunity to play alongside these international stars is something that won’t be repeated,” Abdul Rahman told Emarat Al Youm.
“I will try to provide an honourable performance that does Arab and GCC football proud, but also the UAE in particular. I look forward to making the most from participating in this historic match.”
Al Ain have yet to approve the invitation, but Abdul Rahman has already appealed to his employers for his temporary release.
“I hope the management approves my trip to Brazil, as this is an opportunity that won’t come again. My desire is to attract the world’s attention to the unmarked Arab world and highlight its ability to produce professional players outside developed footballing countries.
“I am confident that the club will not mind my trip, especially given the star names involved and the honour and happiness it gives Al Ain and the UAE national team.”
Following his impressive performances at the 2012 Olympic Games, Abdul Rahman spent two weeks on trial with English Premier League side Manchester City and was consequently linked to a number of high profile European clubs.
Many had tipped him to become the first Emirati to play in a major European league, but his hopes were dashed with the closure of the transfer window at the beginning of this month. But this match, coming just a month before the re-opening of the transfer window in January, gives him another opportunity to showcase his talents on the biggest stage.
