JEDDAH, 12 July 2005 — Al-Ittihad club has acquired the services of two international players in off-season deals worth SR18 million.
Ittihad club President Mansour Al-Balawi told a press conference Sunday Jared Borgetti, a Mexican national player, and Brazilian striker Cladio Victor, have been recruited to play for Ittihad next season.
Victor is arriving today from Brazil to sign the one-year contract of SR9 million. Borgetti agreed to a two-year deal also for SR9 million although it was not clear when he is coming to Jeddah.
During the press conference Al-Balawi announced that Brazilian international Chico would join Ittihad training camp next August in Italy, as part of the team’s preparations in their defense of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) title. Ittihad are to play four tuneup matches including one against Italian Serie A side AC Milan. Al-Balawi also said the club would request Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, president of the Saudi Football Federation, to release Ittihad players from national team duties in view of the vital quarterfinal match against a Chinese team in the AFC tournament.
More surprises, according to Al-Balawi, are in store as to the famous local players who are set to join his team.
Regarding the late attacks in the press against Al-Balawi, he said: “The only way I would know that I was successful is when I am attacked. I promise Ittihad fans that the club will remain strong and will never be affected by what people say. I did not specify the budget for next season but it will be open.”
