Valdivia abandons Al Ain to be back with Palmeiras

Dubai: Chilean World Cup star, Jorge Valdivia returned to Palmeiras on Tuesday, leaving Al Ain without a third foreign signing less than a month away from the start of the season.

Attacking midfielder Valdivia, who scored 18 goals in 40 appearances for Al Ain, moved back to the Brazilian Serie A side where he became a fan favourite from 2006 to 2008, for a reported Dh28.6 million.

He joined Al Ain from the Brazilian outfit in August 2008 for Dh79 million on a four year contract but served only two years.

Xinhua news agency quoted Palmeiras Chairman Luiz Gonzaga Belluzo as having said: "Al Ain did not want to give up Valdivia. He is idolised there.

‘‘However Valdivia wanted to return to Brazil in order to be closer to his family. His second son was recently born."

The Venezuelan-born player who started his career with Santiago's Colo Colo has signed a five year contract with the Sao Paolo-based team.

Not detrimental

No one from Al Ain was available for comment, but UAE Football League (UFL) UFL CEO Carlo Nohra denied the departure of high profile players was of detriment to the UFL.

"The league's overall success is not based on one particular player and I don't believe Valdivia's departure to Palmeiras indicates any kind of negative trend — this is highlighted with new high-profile arrivals such as Cannavaro."

"The departure of one player at a club always opens the door for other high profile players to join the league, and therefore can be seen as a positive thing."

Al Ain are currently on a training camp in Austria where they are still to play friendlies against Enosis Neon Paralimni (August 5) and Azerbaijan's U-23 team (August 6).

They return from pre-season training in Austria on August 9.