JEDDAH, 9 November 2007 — After coach Nebusha Brazilian international Kaio Dasilva was back into the loving arms of Al-Ahli football club. Back together again, coach and player could be the key to revive Ahli’s fortunes in the domestic league.
“I am very happy to be back in Saudi Arabia and overwhelmed by the warm greetings the fans welcomed me with and their trust in me,” Kaio told Arab News in an exclusive interview. “The trust the Ahli club and fans have in me will definitely encourage me to perform even better than before and make them happy,” he said.
The excited Kaio said he can’t wait to give Ahli another victory specially because the situation of the team hardly changed since he left and Serbian coach Nebousha is back in the saddle again after his contract ended when the previous season finished.
“All this and the team spirit I found at Ahli will support me for sure,” he said.
The Brazilian footballer explained the reason behind his departure from Ahli was in order to negotiate with his team Coritiba. His nation’s team wanted him to represent them and thus he had to be there to find the perfect solution to convince them. “When that was done and when I got all my late allowances from that club, and Ahli still wanted me back I did not hesitate to do so and got back,” he said.
Having his family here besides him was another advantage that made him want to be back to the Kingdom.
Kaio debunked rumors he left Ahli because he did not get his dues. “Its not true. We did not have any problem regarding the price of my contract and they were always paying me on time.” Kaio also said he had no offers from other Saudi clubs while being away, and Ahli’s offer was always the best offer he got that suited him as a professional player.
When asked if he was following Ahli matches while being abroad, he said no but added that some news reached him that Ahli’s performance was going down and their fans were sad. “But we promise our fans Ahli will get back to become a champion again very soon.”
Ahli management views Kaio a winning card on the team based on the Brazilian’s track record in the past. Moreover, his football background, which was a result of playing and representing different teams abroad, was another reason the club here did not think twice to have him back. He started in Brazil playing for Flamingo, and then he moved to Coritiba. From there he played for Yangzee FC of South Korea in addition to Dragons of Japan, and now Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
“I only need few intensive trainings and I’ll be back in shape for Ahli and ready to represent Ahli’s first team if the coach decided that,” he said promising his fans to keep the faith in their team who will do their best to please them.
