Delgado determined to lead Jazira to glory

ABU DHABI // Having spent what he considers a sufficient time with Besiktas in Turkey, Matias Delgado, who completes Al Jazira's quota of three foreign players, insists he has what it takes to take the Abu Dhabi club all the way to the trophy championships. "I still had one year of my contract with Besiktas, but I was happy to come over to the Emirates after both sides came to an amicable settlement," said the Argentine midfielder, when he was presented to the media at the club last night.

"I have heard a lot about Jazira and also know that I have to fulfil some high expectations. And I am ready for the challenge. I have fully recovered from a groin injury I suffered last year, which kept me away for more than four months. "I am coming to Jazira in very good condition and ready to play any time the coach would feel like playing me. I have been here only for two days but I am already impressed by the facilities and the welcome I received."

Delgado, 27, signed a two-year contract and joins Bare, the Brazilian forward, who crossed over from Dubai's Al Ahli in the summer and Toni, the diminutive Ivorian striker, who begins his fifth season with Jazira. "I usually play behind the striker or the two forwards, but I will play where the coach wants me to play," said Delgado, who helped the Swiss side FC Basel to successive domestic championships in 2004 and 2005, and was awarded the Swiss Footballer of the Year in the following season.

Delgado moved to the Turkish Super League winning-team Besiktas in June 2006 and was captain in 2008/09. He missed the entire 2009/2010 season, and made his comeback in his team's 2-0 defeat, the second league game, on Saturday. "I played 70 minutes and it wasn't the best of games," he said. "I have put that behind me and now I am looking ahead on my new job, which has given me new inspiration. I have had a good time in Turkey and now I am happy to play in the Emirates. Needless to say I am here to help Jazira win all the trophies."

Bare, who joined Delgado at the presentation, will wear the No 9 shirt that was worn by the Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira, last season's most expensive signing at Dh85 million. Delgado will don the No 22 shirt. Meanwhile, Al Ain were completing a deal with Ibrahima Keita, 25, the Ivorian midfielder from Kuwait's Al Qadisiya. Keita completed his medical last night and may even play in Al Ain's lineup in their opener against Dubai as a late replacement to Soufiane Alloudi, the Moroccan forward, who has been ruled out for more than four months after suffering a knee injury during the friendly against Al Shabab of Oman last week.

apassela@thenational.ae