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Brett Holman signs for Al Nasr as Asian player

Australian international Brett Holman has signed for Al Nasr as the Club’s Asian player, moving to the Al Maktoum Stadium from Aston Villa of the English Premier League. Holman, whose preferred position is as a second striker, has signed a two-year contract at Al Nasr but hopes this is just the start of a long and fruitful career at the Club. Speaking at a press conference to introduce the new signing on Saturday evening, Holman said: “I’m very excited to join Al Nasr; this is a fantastic step for me in my career, and I speak on behalf of my family – my wife and two children – when I say that we are all very excited to be here. I’ve signed for two years but I believe I can contribute much more than that, and I can see a long-term future for myself here in Dubai and hopefully with Al Nasr.” Having spent many successful seasons in Holland’s Eredivise with some of the top Dutch teams, Holman revealed that he has high hopes for his new side, adding: “The Club has great ambitions and I can’t wait for the season to get started. I speak for everyone at Al Nasr when I say we want to win trophies, and that is the main challenge for the season ahead. I bring with me the football knowledge I have learnt through playing for many years in Europe under some of the world’s best coaches, so hopefully I can bring some good experience with me to the Club.”

29-year-old Holman admitted that leaving European football behind was a tough decision, but one he has made with full confidence. “I chose to move to the UAE with 100% of my heart; it’s a big challenge and a fantastic project and I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career,” the Socceroos star said. Holman confirmed that he consulted with fellow Australian players who have plied their trade in the UAE, including Mark Bresciano, before making his final decision to move. “I’ve spoken to a few friends who have played in the league here and they all gave great feedback and only had fantastic, positive words to say about football and life here. Also with the World Cup in Brazil to look forward to next year, it gave me great confidence knowing that playing club football in the UAE still enables Socceroos to play in the national team and perform to a very high level,” Holman added.