Rodrigo Tabata delighted to be back with Al Sadd

Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd’s new signing Rodrigo Tabata expressed happiness at joining reigning Qatar Stars League champions, saying that he is not a stranger to the team and that he knows the Wolves’ players very well.

In an exclusive statement to the club website, Tabata said: “I am happy to join Al Sadd, and I promise everyone that I will give all that I have, and always my best, so that I will be up to the expectations of the management of the club and its fans, who are awaiting a lot from me.”

He added: “I played with most of the players in the Al-Sadd team during my time with the club in 2014 and I know them well and they also know my style, and therefore we will not need time to adapt, especially in this period when the team is up against some difficult challenges which require the combined effort of everyone.”

Tabata, who was the captain of Al Rayyan whom he joined in 2011, is expected to feature against Al Ahli on Monday. Though Sadd’s chances in the league are as good as over, Tabata’s inclusion will strengthen the team in the AFC Champions League which will resume in September.

“Certainly Al-Sadd is on the verge of a very intense season domestically, with all the different tournaments, as well as in Asia with the AFC Champions League games that will be held in Doha. So we must work hard, but I won’t worry too much as Al-Sadd have an excellent group of local and foreign players, who have both the experience and capability to achieve all that is required of the team.”

Tabata concluded by saying, “I’m delighted to play with Al-Sadd, and I promise to make the utmost effort to always put the team on the podiums.”