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Al Wasl unveil new Brazilian striker Kaio

Al Wasl unveiled their latest signing, Brazilian striker Kaio Felipe, at a press conference held at the Club’s Zabeel Stadium headquarters on Tuesday evening. Introduced by Al Wasl Chairman H.E. Abdulla Hareb, the 25-year-old expressed his delight at joining the Club, having spurned four other offers in choosing to wear the yellow shirt. “I had several other offers, one in Italy, one in Russia and two more in the UAE, but I chose Al Wasl because of its great history and potential. I have high expectations of what I can achieve here with Al Wasl; I’m looking forward to winning championships with the Club,” Kaio said.

Kaio, a tall, physical striker, was contracted by Al Wasl after extensive research by the Club’s Technical Committee, whittling down a shortlist of more than 300 potential transfer targets over a period of several months before deciding to swoop for the Brazilian forward, who moves to the UAE from Yokohama FC in Japan. The latest Brazilian export to the League revealed that he consulted with some of his compatriots before making his final decision to sign for Al Wasl, saying: “I have good friendships with Leo Lima (Al Nasr), and Ricardo Oliveira and Fernandinho from Al Jazira. I asked them about the League here and they said you will find great potential and support here in the UAE. I know football in the UAE has been growing rapidly and I hope to bring my own style here and do well in this League.” With the Club coy on the specifics of Kaio’s contract, the striker added: “The Chairman has said that I will stay with Al Wasl for as long as I am playing well, so that gives me extra motivation to do my best and help the team. They have great players and fans, and I look forward to being a part of the squad.”

Al Wasl Chairman H.E. Abdulla Hareb also took the opportunity to reintroduce some of the Club’s familiar faces at the press conference, welcoming back long-term absentees Donda and Rashed Essa, with both players confirming that they are well on the road to recovery from their injuries. Attended by a large number of Al Wasl’s First Team squad, the Chairman noted that the press conference was another sign of Al Wasl’s different approach towards team spirit. “Al Wasl has always been pioneering with its ideas as a Club, and today you see us welcoming a new international player alongside two of our players whom we hope to welcome back soon from injury, plus celebrating the new contracts of some of our young local players at the same time. This shows the unity within our squad,” The Chairman said. H.E. Abdulla Hareb also confirmed that there will be no transfers of local players in or out of the Club this summer, as they put full faith in Al Wasl’s current group of Emirati players, and any further changes to the squad will only be in international personnel.