Defending champions and League leaders Al Ain on Monday unveiled 26-year-old Colombian winger Danilo Moreno Asprilla as part of their winter signing.
Asprilla, who plays for Bulgaria’s Litex Lovech, will be replacing the former Ajax and Liverpool forward Ryan Babel, who had made the switch from Turkey’s Kasimpasa in July. Babel has clearly failed to fit into the scheme of things of coach Zlatko Dalic and was often seen warming the bench.
He had been in the news often for all the wrong reasons ever since he joined Al Ain. Late last year, he used Instagram to post an obscene gesture which also featured the club’s name and in August, he triggered controversy after getting involved in a series of sexist messages on Twitter with a Liverpool fan.
Asprilla, who has signed for over two years with Al Ain, said: “I’m happy to come here for a new challenge. I have heard a lot about the club in the past. I’m happy that the coach has shown confidence in me and my football. I will work hard and give everything for the club.”
Dalic was of the view that his focus was not to opt for big names but for young blood with a will to excel. “I welcome our new player and I hope he is the right choice. I have only got good information about this player. I sent my assistant coach to check this player again. I appreciate the management and club to accept my decision,” said Dalic.
“I needed a young player and hungry player. I didn’t want renowned players. I wanted a player who wanted to come here hungry and make big efforts for the club. I’m sure our choice is best and he will be happy here like me,” added Dalic, who asserted that there was no time to rejoice as they have the second phase starting in three days’ time.
“We hope that he will be ready for the next game. Of course, the player needs time but that’s the way it is: so we will see. We have many games in front of us. Not sure if he will play the full game but he will take the field,” opined Dalic.
