Hazza Bin Zayed’s Vision and Supervision of Sultan Bin Hamad Made Al-Ain One of the Best Clubs Worldwide.. Rodrigo Mendes: The Current Generation is Capable of Making Glory and Restore the Continental Title
Local Player Quality and Support of “Ainawi” Fans are the Most Important Factors that will Lead “Al-Zaeem” to Claim Asia Title
I Bet on Al-Ain’s Character and Players’ Capability to Claim and win all titles
I am Still Reiterating Hymns That I have Learned from “Ainawi” Fans
I Regret Leaving Al-Ain and I have Returned to Al-Zain Lounge to Support Al-Ain
Al-Ain’s Resources are Comparable to those of the Best European Clubs
I am Proud for Acquiring “Ainawi” Ticket and a Seat Reserved for Me with Legends at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium
Rodrigo Mendes, one of the best foreign players in the history of Al-Ain in terms of numbers, a member of 2003 generation who contributed to the sole continental achievement in country’s name since 20 years who claimed a historical triad with “Al-Zaeem” in only one season “Asia tournament, Pro League and Super Cup,” showed up on the first episode of the documentary program “The Legend” on Al-Ain channel, and clarified that the current generation has proved of being capable of claiming glory on continental level and placing the second Asia star besides Al-Jahili castle logo, explaining: “I think we are capable of embracing glory in football and claiming the historical quadruple in this season, compared to the positive situation the club is experiencing thanks to the limitless support from the club’s presidency, in addition to the team member’s high technical resources and the strong support by the fans at all events.”
Al-Ain is Global
Rodrigo expressed his pride and gratitude to be wearing Al-Ain’s logo, which is considered one of the best clubs worldwide in my opinion, thanks to the thorough vision and successful strategy that His Highness Hazza Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, first deputy to the club’s president, first deputy to the president of the honorary council, chairman of Al-Ain sports and cultural club, laid the foundation for, where Al-Ain continued to receive an honorable supervision from His Highness and generous support, which is something I have felt since I was a player, in addition to the club’s establishments and the mechanism on which they rely you cannot find in most European clubs, while in my current visit I found great care and notable supervision from sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Al-Nahyan, vice-president of Al-Ain sports and cultural club, president of the club’s talent patronage committee, and thanks to patronage, care, and supervision Al-Ain is now considered one of the best clubs on the global theatre.
Claiming Asia Title
Commenting on a question on the most important reasons that led Al-Ain 2003 to claiming the continental title, Pro League, and Super Cub. He said: “The atmosphere was so motivating, starting with the patronage and support from the club’s presidency, to local players’ quality who were so amazing and I remember back then that the club brought nine “international” players in addition to a number of the Olympic National Team’s players, and a coaching staff of the highest level led by the French Abdul-Kareem Metso, to the great fans support that I have practically noticed in Al-Ain’s most recent match vs Saudi Al-Nassr.”
I wish I did not leave
Rodrigo, on the sidelines of his speech at the documentary program with the midfielder, Ahmed Berman, he admitted by saying: “I should have not left in 2003, after the club’s great successes over a short period of time, but, as you know, sometimes in our lives we make decisions related to our destinies and I am very glad to return again to Al-Ain to support and keep a close eye on the team, because Al-Ain is important to me, for I have claimed with the team in my career the most important tournament which is AFC Champions League and lived here in this city the most beautiful moment in my life.”
One Family
Rodrigo explained that many memories jumped to his mind once he returned to Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Stadium, at Al-Qattarah, and said: “I had many wonderful memories in this stadium, for here I gained self-confidence. I lived in this place a great deal of my lifetime, and for sure I am happy to return here once more, for Al-Ain was and still a family and this is the reason behind success. Also, Al-Ain receives the support of wise leadership, and I can remember that, at that time, the team had a squad of talented local players, I also cannot forget fans who were crowding the stadium.”
A magnificent goal
The player recalled his magnificent goal vs Al-Wasl from a free kick near the middle of the pitch, he said: “It was a match vs Al-Wasl, we had a free kick, so I told my teammate, Sbeat Khater, that I will handle this free kick, for I know where to shoot and I managed to score, it was one the most beautiful memories regarding free kicks, I also scored the secod goal in the same match with my right foot.”
Ainawi Stadium
The Brazilian player reiterated some of the hymns asserting that he did not forget about them, he said: “I memorize many hymns, for once I got into this place now and after 20 years I have a wonderful feeling for I was here and was one of the favorite players in the eyes of the fans, I felt their limitless support and when they repeat their hymns out-loud I wait for their support for me. Fans are one of the most important weapons that Al-Ain has, so their support was very important.”
Refreshing Memory
Rodrigo Mendes clarified that Al-Ain city’s landmarks have changed significantly over the past 20 years, he said: “There are many new areas but the city is still keeping its wonderful nature and landmarks, and in my tour I remembered some of the places that I used to visit from time to time alone or with my family.”
Great Resources
The player visited the training center at the gym “Emkan” and expressed his feelings of astonishment over the great available resources, he said: “There are many great resources that keep up with the club’s supreme leadership’s strategic vision. With these available equipment and players services I think players will do good to achieve ambitions. It is true that claiming AFC Champions League is not easy in light of all these available resources, but they are considered an assistant and strong factor to equip players to claim the continental title.”
The Best Generation
The Brazilian player revealed his point of view on the best generation over the past two decades, he said: “In 2003-2004 we achieved the triad, back then we had a squad of great players and some of them were with UAE national team, so we managed to achieve our goal. In 2018, there was a great generation who managed to reach Clubs World Cup final and play a historical match vs Spanish real Madrid, I was so proud to watch Al-Ain at that match and was very pleased because I consider myself a part of this team’s history.”
An Exceptional Moment
Rodrigo Mendes pointed out that the best moment in his life was after returning from Thailand with AFC Champions League title. Back then, we went the palace at Abu Dhabi and took the historical mass photograph, it was a celebrations with us because we have transformed the continuous efforts into reality. It was a great season, it is true that it was the last time for the team to claim the continental title but I think the, maybe, in this participation they will be able to claim victory again.”
Legends Stadium
The Brazilian player expressed his great happiness over claiming the Legend Ticket that grant him a special seat at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium besides the rest of the legends, he said: “I am very pleased with this appreciation I have received, there are many players who contributed to making a part of this team’s history, and I am happy to claim the Legen Ticket which makes me feel that everything I have delivered for this team was not in vain and was a part of this team’s history.”
