Al Habsi joins Saudi club
MUSCAT: Ali Al Habsi has officially been unveiled as an Al Hilal player, after completing his move to the Saudi Arabian giants on Sunday evening.
The Omani goalkeeping legend arrived in Riyadh with his brother, Ahmed, on Saturday, and put pen to paper on a three-year-deal with the capital club. The move sees him leave English Championship side Reading after two years with the Berkshire-based club, and although he is moving onto new challenges, Ali hasn’t forgotten his supporters back in the UK, posting an emotive message for them on his Twitter page.
“Today I officially announce that I am moving to Al Hilal FC, one of the greatest clubs in Saudi Arabia and Asia,” said Al Habsi. “It was surely a tough decision to take. I have spent a great two years at Reading. It felt like home with friends, family and teammates. No one can imagine the love and support that I received from the fans and the club. It was a one-of-a-kind experience.
“I am sure that Reading will do great next season, especially with a perfect manager like Jaap Stam,” he added. “You will push forward and will have excellent results. Much love, Ali.”
Al Habsi’s move had been announced by Al Hilal Club on their official pages in the wee hours of Monday morning, as he posed for official photos with Prince Nawaf bin Saad, Chairman of Al Hilal.
“Thanks to Prince Nawaf Bin Saad for his confidence and his quest to be with us, and for managing this club in such a professional manner,” tweeted Al Habsi, in the aftermath of his new club posting official artwork of Oman’s national team captain in their signature blue strip.