JEDDAH: Egyptian international Emad Miteb hopes to benefit by playing in the Saudi Premier Soccer League this season. Miteb will be wearing the famed yellow and black colors of Al-Ittihad this season and hopes to lend solidity to the team’s campaign in the competitive league.
“Playing with Ittihad will not only help polish my skills but will also help me gain experience that would enhance my career as soccer player,” said a newly signed Miteb.
Talking to Arab News, the Egyptian star said: “I was unlucky not to have played in the English Premier League, specifically with Everton club. The offer from the English club came late after I had already signed with Saudi Arabia’s No. 1 club.”
Miteb, who has been representing Egypt’s Ahli club till now, was optimistic of his move to Ittihad. “This is just another stepping stone that would enable him to fulfill his quest of playing in the European League in the future,” he said.
The Egyptian international spoke to Arab News after the Ittihad club delegation arrived from Qatar where the club played two friendlies with the local teams.
“I am very optimistic that I will succeed in this new experience. My decision to leave a big team like Ahli club in Egypt was a difficult one, but for better future prospect I had to make the move. I’m sure that I will make Ittihad supporters happy with my performance.”
“Ahli club fans were not convinced with my need to transfer. But after I explained that the move would lead me one day to join any European club, they understood my position and allowed me to leave without creating a fuss. I’m sure that my previous club will not miss me because there’ll be another star who will step up to the plate,” said Miteb.
“I know I will benefit from my experience with Ittihad,” said Miteb, adding, “I know that Ittihad boasts many players who play in the national team. Also the club has many achievements to its credit, both in local and international arena.”
“I chose Ittihad, not only for the quality playing time I would have with the club but also for the fact that Ittihad’s offer was the best and he only approved the transfer after he had got a clean chit from his previous club,” he said.
He thanked Ittihad club and its administration for giving him a very warm welcome.
