Al Rayyan President Sheikh Ali bin Saud Al Thani, new signing James Rodriguez and Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc along with other officials pose for a group photo after the press conference yesterday.
Qatar football giants Al Rayyan yesterday unveiled star James Rodriguez at its home ground with many diehard fans greeting the Colombia international at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue.
Rodriguez, a Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, was confirmed as Al Rayyan’s new signing on Wednesday. The star was presented to fans in an impressive ceremony, which saw attendance of top club’s officials besides the delighted fans.
The 30-year-old has joined Al Rayyan from Premier League side Everton.
“I am very happy to join Al Rayyan,” Rodriguez told at his launching press conference yesterday.
“I want to thank everyone who worked for this deal. I am happy to be back to action and I will give my best to help Al Rayyan achieve their targets,” he said. Rodriguez also thanked fans for giving him a warm welcome at the club.
“My message to the fans is that I will spare no effort to achieve what they desire. I have come here to win championships,” he added.
Rodriguez was also admired by state-of-the-art Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, hoping to represent his country in the FIFA showpiece next year.
“I am looking for development, and Qatari football is looking for development, so we will work together for the development. One of the reasons for my presence here is the 2022 World Cup. I hope to participate with the Colombian team at the World Cup here.”
Rodriguez has replaced Argentine Gabriel Mercado as Al Rayyan retained all its other foreign players – Franck Kom, Yohan Boli, Yacine Brahimi and Shojae Khalilzadeh.
The Lions have endured a shaky start to country’s top flight QNB Stars League as they are still craving for a win in the new season with two draws and defeat to Al Sadd at Qatar Classico on Wednesday.
Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc was delighted with the new signing, hoping for a change in fortunes.
“James can play an important role in achieving our goals. His presence will motivate all the other players and everyone is waiting for him to be in action,” the Frenchman said yesterday. “This deal is good for everyone as James presence in Qatar before the World Cup is a good thing for the tournament’s hosts also,” he added.
Rodriguez a great addition: Sheikh Ali
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan President Sheikh Ali bin Saud Al Thani expressed his happiness on the new signing, saying Rodriguez is a great addition to Al Rayyan because of his great name in the world of football.
“The Colombian international has great experience, as he previously won the Champions League twice, the Club World Cup and the European Super, along with many local titles, so he is a great addition to Al Rayyan Club,” he said.
“One of the team’s ambitions during the current season is to win the Amir Cup final against Al Sadd on October 22 and we hope Rodriguez will play an important role in it,” Sheikh Ali added.
