TUNIS: Tunisian mid-fielder Yassine Chikhaoui has joined Qatar Stars League (QSL) giants Al Gharafa with immediate effect. The 28-year-old comes to Qatar from Swiss club FC Zurich. Club officials completed the deal for a three-contract that would run up to 2017 summer, he said. "Chikahoui was in Al Gharafa's focus since last year. The club's board was keen to sign him and play in Qatar Stars League, agent Khalid Al Qasabi told Qatar News Agency. Many clubs showed interest in him since he excelled for the Swiss club as well as Tunisian national football team, but Chikahoui preferred to join Al Gharafa and expand his professional experience in this region, the agent said. Chikhaoui joined FC Zurich on a five-year contract in 2007. He started his senior level career with Tunisian sports club Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Sousse. At 19 yeara he became the football club's youngest captain. Wishing him and his family well, FC Zurich President Ancillo Canepa said, "No one will deny that Yassine was one the best football player ever to play in Switzerland. In the 2014-15 season he should what an excellent and important player he is." Al Gharafa has won Qatar Stars League title seven times, the last being in 2010. The new QSL season starts on September 11.