Al Rayyan unveil Rodriguez: Colombian a great addition to club, says Sheikh Ali

Tribune News Network Doha Football star James Rodriguez was unveiled by Qatar’s football giants Al Rayyan at the their home turf with fans greeting the Co...

Tribune News NetworkDohaFootball star James Rodriguez was unveiled by Qatar’s football giants Al Rayyan at the their home turf with fans greeting the Colombia international at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue. Rodriguez, a Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, was confirmed as Al Rayyan’s new signing on Wednesday. The dazzling playmaker, who has vowed the world from an early stage, was presented to fans in an impressive ceremony which saw the attendance of top club’s officials besides the delighted fans. The 30-year-old has joined Al Rayyan from Premier League side Everton. “I am very happy to join Al Rayyan,” Rodriguez told at the media at his launch press conference. “I want to thank everyone who worked for this deal. I am happy to be back to action and I will give my best to help Al Rayyan achieve their targets,” he said. Rodriguez also thanked fans for giving him a warm welcome at the club. “My message to the fans is that I will spare no effort to achieve what they desire. I have come here to win championships,” he added. Rodriguez also admired the state-of-the-art Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium hoping to represent his country in the FIFA showpiece next year. “I am looking for development, and Qatari football is looking for development, so we will work together for the development. One of the reasons for my presence here is the 2022 World Cup. I hope to participate with the Colombian team at the World Cup here,” he said. Rodriguez has replaced Argentine Gabriel Mercado as Al Rayyan retained all their other foreign players – Franck Kom, Johan Boli, Yacine Brahimi and Shojae Khalilzadeh.The Lions have endured a shaky start to country’s top flight QNB Stars League as they are still craving for a win in the new season with two draws and a 2-4 defeat to Al Sadd in the Qatar Classico on Wednesday. Al Rayyan coach Laurent Blanc welcomed the new signing, hoping for change a in fortunes. “James can play an important role in achieving our goals. “His presence will motivate all the other players and everyone is waiting for him to be in action,” the Frenchman, a World Cup winner and former Manchester United player himself, said. “This deal is a win and win for everyone as James presence in Qatar before the World Cup is a good thing for the tournament’s hosts also,” he added.