By Sports Reporter/Doha
Chico Flores has left Swansea City to join his former manager Michael Laudrup, who is now head coach of Qatari side Lekhwiya. Laudrup was appointed as the new coach of the Qatari champions last month following his dismal by Swansea last February.
Chico released an open letter to Swansea’s fans yesterday on news of his move saying, “I write this letter with grief, gratitude and joy, for I will be facing a new personal and sporting challenge.”
“I have experienced so much these two seasons that, by far, exceeded my expectations. That is why today I am sad to leave a club that has been like a family since the beginning and allowed me to enjoy and experience football in a very special and intense way.”
He added: “I go to another country and another league. Here in Europe I enjoyed three of the best leagues in the world and I have experienced so much. Hence, the new challenge I face will be given the same enthusiasm as what I came with to Swansea two years ago.” His departure continues a Spanish exodus from Swansea after striker Michu left for Napoli on loan, Alejandro Pozuelo joined Rayo Vallecano and winger Pablo Hernandez moved to Al Arabi S.C.
Lekhwiya to face Turkish side Gençlerbirliği SK
Lekhwiya will play a friendly against Turkish club Gençlerbirli tonight, the match will be held in Austria where Lekhwiya is currently undergoing its preseason preparations. Many of the Qatar national team players who are part of the squad have now joined up the Red Knights and will participate in the friendly against the Turks who finished 9th in their league.
Ahli lose friendly against Akhisar
Al Ahli Sports Club lost in a friendly match against Turkish side Akhisar Belediyespor. The match was played in Austria where the team is currently based for their pre-season preperation. This was the club’s third friendly, the opponents went into the lead courtesy of Ahmed Ahmed Sibbey.
However, last season’s Qatar Stars League top scorer Alain Dioko leveled but it was not to be the Brigadiers day as the Greek striker - Fanis Gekas scored the winner in the second half for the Turkish side.
After the match Fahad Ali from Al Ahli’s administration said although the team lost they benefited from the game greatly, adding that it was particularly good for the new players who got the chance to gel with their new teammates.
Chico Flores
