Qatar Football AssociationNews
08.01.2018 15:51 in : &

DOHA: Football giants Al Gharafa announced on Sunday that it has signed Dutch veteran star Wesley Sneijder  for a duration of 18 months.

Sneijder, a 33-year-old attacking midfielder, underwent a medical examination in Doha and is expected to be presented to the media in the coming days.

“The signing of Sneijder is a big gain for our club and the QNB Stars League,” Mahmoud Al Ghazal, head of the club’s football team,” said on Sunday.

“We are confident that signing Sneijder is a new beginning for the club. He is a a leader on the pitch and a role model to follow for young players,” Al Ghazal was quoted as saying.

“Al Gharafa is in transition phase and our young players will gain a lot from his presence. He will have a positive impact on our young players, especially in commitment outside and inside the stadium,” he added.

The Dutch national, who took part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final in South Africa, played for Ajax between 2002 and 2007 before moving to Real Madrid for two seasons. He won the Serie A title, the Italian Cup and the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2010 with Jose Mourinho’s Internazionale .

He also spent 4 years with Turkish giants Galatasaray before joining Nice last summer.

Al Gharafa are seventh in the QNB Stars League standings with 11 points from 11 matches at the end of the first phase.

Sneijder is expected to play his first match with Al Gharafa next Friday against Al Ahli in round 12.