RAS AL KHAIMAH // Al Hassane Keita is hoping to resurrect his career and rediscover his confidence in Switzerland after losing his place in the Emirates team.
Keita arrived at the Ras Al Khaimah club from the Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab at the start of the season, but an injury forced him out for three months.
He has made just eight appearances for the team – three in the Etisalat Cup and five in the Pro League – and the frustrated Emirates management decided to replace him during the January transfer window.
Moving to Switzerland is the best option for the Guinean now as the transfer window has closed nearly everywhere else. The 28-year-old striker has played there before, scoring 58 goals in five seasons at FC Zurich.
"The time I heard the news that Keita is out, it was a bad time because almost everywhere is closed," Keita said.
"But Switzerland is open until February 15 and I have been there before. I know everybody there, so I think I have an option."
Keita is unhappy with the way he has been treated at Emirates and claims no club official has spoken to him as yet.
"Everything in this world is based on respect," he said. "Even your son, you have to respect him. I respect everybody here, but I am seeing these guys have no respect for me.
"People have just been talking around, but nobody has come to me, to tell me, 'Keita this is it' or 'this is how it is supposed to be'. Nobody has told me anything.
"I am just hearing things from people from outside. I have called up people to know what is really going on but until now nobody can tell me nothing."
"I can move any time. I know I am good player and I can play anywhere I want. So finding a club is not a problem. I have options, but first I need to finish with them [Emirates] and I can see nobody to talk to."
A club spokesman said last night that they had still not finalised their fourth foreign player, but once that has been decided, they will talk with Keita.