Al Ahli unveiled Dutch player Nigel de Jong for the new QNB Stars League season that kicks off next month. The former LA Galaxy and Galatasaray midfielder was presented in front of the media at the club headquarters. The club said the 32-year-old had passed the medical. 
“I am delighted to join Al Ahli and to feature in the QNB Stars League,” De Jong said. “I have been warmly received from the moment I landed at the airport right until the medical was conducted,” he added.
Al Ahli had finished last season in 9th place and will be hoping their new signing can improve their fortunes.
De Jong said he sees playing in Qatar a good thing for professional players, noting that football in the Gulf region has evolved a lot. He also said the presence of Spanish legend Xavi in the QNB Stars League had presented a positive image of the league across the world.
Arif Abdul Rahman, CEO of Al Ahli, said: “De Jong is a great addition to our team. He will be a great asset for us as we play our matches. He will be with our side for the pre-season training camp as soon as possible.”

Qatar SC held by Serbian club 
Qatar SC played a 2-2 draw against Serbian club FK Mladost in what was the first pre-season friendly for the QNB Stars League outfit. 
Qatar SC coach Abdullah Mubaraq opportunities to all his players in the friendly clash. Brazilian striker Dudu and Youssef Kubaisi scored goal apiece in each half. The team will continue preparations at the pre-season camp in Serbia. 
The QNB Stars League outfit will play four more friendly matches with Serbian teams, the club said. Qatar SC will kick off their new season campaign against Al Gharafa on August 4.

Umm Salal arrive in Slovenia for pre-season training 
Umm Salal arrived in Slovenia for their pre-season training camp on Tuesday. The Umm Salal contingent arrived in Slovenia after a flight from Doha to Croatia and then to Slovenia by bus. Umm Salal will remain in Slovenia until July 25. The delegation is headed by Nasser al-Fadala, the team’s manager. 
French coach Laurent Banide preferred not to train after the arrival at the team’s hotel to allow players some much needed rest. The first training session was held yesterday morning.
The team will play four friendly matches during the camp with teams from Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey. 
Coach Banide confirmed the players will undergo training twice a day so that the squad quickly gets into the groove ahead of the new season in Qatar. Umm Salal play Al Sailiya in the season-opener on August 4 at Khalifa International Stadium.




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