By Mai Akkad
Paris Saint Germain footballer Anderson Luiz de Carvalho, popularly known as Nene, has flown into Qatar to sign a multi-million dollar contract with Al Gharafa’s football team.
The Brazilian winger, who has been playing for Qatar-owned PSG since July 2010, was taken to Aspetar today to undergo medical tests before formalizing the reportedly $14.7 million, 18-month-long deal.
According to Reuters, Nene chose Al Gharafa over offers from several other clubs, including AC Milan, amid turmoil with his current coach:
The 31-year-old, who was the league’s joint top-scorer last season with 21 goals and helped PSG finish second, has been at odds with coach Carlo Ancelotti for weeks and has not played competitively for more than a month.
Acknowledging the lucrative deal, Nene told French television program Telefoot:
“Things like that only happen once in a lifetime. I don’t know if people will understand. I just thought about my future and secured it for my family.”
The football player will likely receive a warm reception here. Just two weeks ago, Qatar’s football fans relished Nene’s talent as he scored the fourth goal for PSG against Lekhwiya in a friendly match, which the French League ended up winning 5-1.
On its Facebook page, Qatar Stars League, which he is joining, said that Nene’s addition to Gharafa would be a major bonus for the country’s football league as he is at the peak of his game.
Thoughts?
Credit: Photo courtesy of QSL on Facebook