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Al Ain introduce new and renewed players

Al Ain introduced two new signings and announced the renewal of three players’ contracts at a press conference at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday night. Emirati goalkeeper Khalid Essa and Emirati midfielder Sultan Al Ghaferi were officially unveiled as Al Ain players, having earlier agreed terms to transfer from Al Jazira and Bani Yas respectively, whilst Mohanad Salem, Ismail Ahmed and veteran Club captain Helal Saeed were handed contract extensions. 

Khalid Essa moves to Al Ain in search of first team football, having played understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Ali Khaseif for both club and country, and the talented 23-year-old shot-stopper expressed his gratitude to former employers Al Jazira for allowing him to join Al Ain. “I am very thankful to Al Jazira for allowing me to make this move; inshallah it will enable me to gain more experience of playing in the League and that will also help my position in the national team,” Khalid Essa said. Sultan Al Ghaferi, meanwhile, thanked former club Bani Yas for some wonderful experiences and memories, before looking ahead to a fresh challenge at his new club. “I am excited to join Al Ain and I will do my best to make a positive impact on the team and help us to achieve continued success inshallah,” the 26-year-old said, adding that it will be ‘an honour’ to line up alongside the likes of Diaky and Radoi in midfield.

Al Ain’s three renewed players – Mohanad Salem, Ismail Ahmed and Helal Saeed – all conveyed their delight at extending their time with the current League champions and cited the special family atmosphere at the Club as being one of the most important factors in its success. “For us, when we come to the Club every day for training it is like coming to our home. We are all part of one big family at Al Ain and I am happy to sign a contract extension to stay here longer. Inshallah we will experience even more success over the coming seasons,” Ismail Ahmed said. The entire Al Ain squad gathered at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday night for a welcome back meeting, and will begin pre-season training in full on Wednesday night.