Ammouri: All Al Ain players and fans were ‘stars’ in the game against Al Jaish
Omar Abdurrahman ‘Ammouri’, the UAE National team player and Al Ain captain, looking happy, humble and sedate as usual, said after the game against Al Jaish of Qatar: “All the team deserved the MVP title and not only myself. All played as one and worked hard to achieve the goal; therefore, all Al Ain players and fans were ‘stars’ in this game.”
Asked about the secret behind his enthusiasm and optimism before the game as shown in several footages, and what he told his teammates before kickoff, he said: “I asked them to make double efforts and fight throughout the game because everybody in UAE is waiting for good news. We should start the game pressing and attacking in order to score first and totally control the pitch. We managed to do that as we created serious chances and scored first. As I said before, Al Ain players always make things easy because they play as one, listen to and willingly accept instructions, and they deserve the title because they have always proved their ability to take responsibility and powerfully defend the Club’s reputation. God willing, we will show our best performance in the AFC Champions League final and will reveal a nice image for Emirati football.”
Al Ain team’s captain extended his thanks and appreciation to Al Ain fans and said: “Their constant presence behind the team has given positive energy and enthusiasm to the players, and their attendance in Doha had a great effect on spirits of the players who then doubled their efforts to please their loyal fans. Of course, we made some mistakes, which helped Al Jaish score twice, but we promise all that we will correct these mistakes in order to enter the final powerfully and grasp the Asian title which has been everybody’s dream for 13 years.”
Asked about what Al Ain fans said on social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) that Omar Abdurrahman always keeps his promises, and what he could promise Al Ain fans for the next stage, Ammouri said: “The team has reached the last stage which requires no promises. Now, the goal is clearer and more specific, the title. I think that no player would throw away this achievement, and all players know that they are just one step away from the title, so they will double their efforts and work to reach the highest level of physical and technical readiness. This way, they will be able to help the team achieve goals and meet expectations. We hope that Al Ain fans will continue their support to the team because their presence has a positive effect on players and enhances their determination.”
Asked whether he thinks that he hasn’t won a personal title because the Asian Football Confederation has been unjust to him, Omar confirmed that he mainly cares about Al Ain’s wins and titles and then come personal titles. He went on to say: “It is true that every player wishes to win the title of the best in Asia, but I always focus on helping Al Ain team win titles. For me as a player defending the reputation of this great club, this is the most important thing. If I don’t win the ‘Best Asian Player’ award and Al Ain wins the Asian title, then the goal is achieved. Finally, I would like to thank all Al Ain and national team players who have always helped me to show my best performance, and I hope to achieve with them what everybody is aspiring to.”
