Khaleej Times

Romarinho looks for ways to trounce Real

- Ashwani Kumar

abu dhabi — In his first season at the club, Romarinho, the Brazilian foreign recruit in Al Jazira, has proved his value beyond doubt. In the play-off of the Fifa Club World Cup, he scored the winner against Auckland City. And in the second-round match, the midfielder provided a gem of a pass for Ali Mabkhout to score. The player is aware of his duties.

“I play an important role in the side — I score and I set up goals for my team-mates.”

He too, like all his mates and coach, said it was teamwork which got Al Jazira a semifinal berth.

“None plays football alone. I help the team as much as I can. Sure my contributi­on is important but the whole team deserves this celebratio­n. We are a young team but with a strong personalit­y.”

He said the match against Real Madrid is the biggest for everyone in the team. “Before the competitio­n began, our dream was to play Real Madrid.”

Romarinho is confident any result is positive in football. “Stepping

Ronaldo is the best in the world. I idolised him when I was younger. Now, I hope to find a way to play like the best player in the world in order to beat the best player in the world Romarinho, Jazira player

onto the pitch you have to forget those colours, that symbol that is Real Madrid and just play football. Over there in Madrid, that’s 22 superstars. They’re all exceptiona­l players.”

The 26-year-old is eagerly awaiting the prospects of rubbing shoulders with the best players.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world. I idolised him when I was younger. Now, I hope to find a way to play like the best player in the world in order to beat the best player in the world.”

The Brazilian, like other Al Jazira players, is in the right frame of mind and raring to have a go at Real.

Al Jazira go up against defending champions Real Madrid at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Wednesday.

 ?? Photo by Ryan Lim ?? Brazilian Romarinho (centre) has been a key figure in Jazira’s success at the Fifa Club World Cup. —
Photo by Ryan Lim Brazilian Romarinho (centre) has been a key figure in Jazira’s success at the Fifa Club World Cup. —

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