Soccer News of Sunday, 5 July 2015
Source: GHANAsoccernet.com
Ryan Babel
Dutch striker Ryan Babel says watching Asamoah Gyan’s heroics for UAE giants Al Ain convinced him to sign for the Arabian Gulf League champions.
The former Liverpool attacker watched the Ghana striker playing for Al Ain on Youtube and felt he could be a very good fit for the UAE side, hoping his move would prove people wrong.
The former Ajax and Liverpool winger was officially unveiled by ‘The Boss’ in the presence of Mohammed Salem bin Omair Al Shamsi, Board member of Al Ain Club at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, late on Thursday night.
Babel joins from Turkish side Kasimpasa.
The 28-year-old will link up with Ghanaian ace Asamoah Gyan, although there is some speculation about his future with a host of clubs interested in his services.
Babel will also pair up with Al Ain’s star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman.
“I also saw some clips of Gyan and Omar Abdulrahman and I also watched the extraordinary celebrations when Al Ain won the Arabian Gulf League,” Babel said.
“Also, Al Ain have a magnificent stadium, amazing fans and a very large fan base and I was impressed. It made my decision easier.
“I am confident in my abilities and I hope I can be a good addition to the team,” he added.
The 28-year-old has inked a two-year deal with the Garden City club and will don the No.49 jersey in the new season, the same number he used when he made his debut with Ajax.