Updated 20.15
A BEAMING WESLEY Sneijder said he had turned down offers “from everywhere” to play in Qatar as the Dutch star was officially unveiled by Al Gharafa in Doha on Monday.
The former Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan star said he was “happy” to be in the Middle East and could not wait to play football again after a disappointing few months at French Ligue 1 side Nice.
The 33-year-old has signed an 18-month contract with the mid-table Qatari side and could make his debut as early as Friday, when Al Gharafa take on Al Ahli in a league match.
“To be honest, my choice to come here was to play football,” Sneijder told reporters at a press conference in Doha’s Four Seasons hotel.
“There was speculation about me going to the US, about going to China or others, but I never read about ‘he will go to Qatar’.”
Officials close to the Dutch star said he had also received offers from club in Mexico and Brazil.
. @ALGHARAFACLUB present @sneijder101010
— Qatar Stars League (@QSL) January 8, 2018
➡️ https://t.co/LMkBw2mb2T pic.twitter.com/WaaO1v2Vdw
He added: “Of course, there were more offers and they came from everywhere.”
“I feel very welcome here and I am happy that I chose Al Gharafa. To be honest, I can’t wait to start training tomorrow and to help the team.”
He said he had not spoken to ‘gentleman’ Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona legend who plays in Qatar for Al Sadd, but was persuaded to move by Dutch Moroccan midfielder Anouar Diba, who plays for rivals Al Kharaitiyat and has been in the Gulf for several years.
Sneijder added he had no worries about playing in Qatar, which has been heavily criticised ever since being chosen to host the 2022 World Cup finals on issues such as human rights and corruption.
“I don’t have any concerns,” he said. “I came here to play football and not think about other things.”
The unveiling of Sneijder was a sometimes hectic event complete with music, videos, mascots, Dutch embassy staff and even football-themed food.
Al Gharafa chairman Jassim bin Thamer Al-Thani revealed they had previously tried to sign Holland’s most capped player, with 133 appearances, back in 2014.
Sneijder was given the number 10 shirt and will captain the team, said Al-Thani.
Happy to meet my friend @arjenrobben in #Doha pic.twitter.com/ryQbFbvdbA
— Wesley Sneijder (@sneijder101010) January 7, 2018
Currently the club are marooned in mid-table with just two wins in 11 league games and trail league leaders Al-Duhail by 18 points.
Al Gharafa though are one of the most decorated clubs in Qatari football, having won the league title on seven occasions, the last time in 2010.
Sneijder and Xavi played against each other in the 2010 World Cup Final which the Netherlands lost 1-0 to Spain.
The two stars could face each other again in less foreboding surroundings by the end of the month when Al Gharafa and Al Sadd clash on January 25.
Other international stars to play for Al Gharafa, include French World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, who moved to Qatar from Chelsea in 2004.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
I presume one of the clubs was united! Not a transfer window goes by where he’s not linked to them
“To be honest ,my choice to come here was to play football” … R u Having a giggle m8?
I have a very sneaky suspicion this is about money ????????
Where is Quatar?
@Graham: It’s half way between Quarter and Qatar.
@Fin Tastic: Love the way they change the spelling but leave my comment here. Such integrity. Any reputable site has an E&OE where they acknowledge all errors.
@Dave Murray: nah, not at all… Will keep saying it though… Someday there might be some journalistic integrity here.
@Graham: love the way people moan about tiny meaningless mistakes in free articles
If you don’t find it a ‘reputable site’, don’t use it
If you want credit for spotting the mistake, well done you, Graham
@JarvisOFlaherterahry: don’t want any credit, just remove my comment if fixed. And look behind who runs this site, don’t be so naive, and miserable.
@Graham: had a bad day Graham had we?!
@Graham: If they removed your comment, you’d probably be complaining that they had censored you!
I hope Wesley can take a good look at himself every night, knowing that thousands of innocent people have been killed whilst constructing stadia in that country. I wonder if the authorities still have his passport??
People need to make themselves aware of the scandal that is World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Click on the following link…… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJYXgMigfpo
He is finished end off
@John Boyle: had he even started? The epitome of overrated
@William Motley: Treble winning season 2010? Was brilliant for Inter
Guess he read the rubbish newspapers too