Akram Afif will remain with the Al Sadd until 2025, after the club announced yesterday the star forward has signed a new contract. Afif is one of the most prominent stars of Al Sadd, playing a big role in several of the team’s recent triumphs, and also winning the title of 2019 Asian Player of the Year.
Speaking to the club website after signing the contract, Afif said: “I want to thank the Al Sadd management for their confidence in me and renewing my contract. This is an important day for me and I will make every effort to help the team achieve our dreams and win the championships.”
He added: “I am delighted with the renewal of the contract, and I will strive to give everything I have to meet the aspirations of the administration, the coaching staff and the fans; and I hope to give my best in the upcoming challenges, at home and in Asia, and compete for all titles.”
Earlier this week, Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez had said renewing Afif’s contract and securing replacements for Gabi and Marco Fabian are top of his list. The Spanish legend himself had put pen to paper on Sunday, committing his future to the reigning Qatar Stars League champions till the end of the 2020-21 season.
The FIFA World Cup winner and Barcelona legend said he would work closely with the Al Sadd management on a number of key issues. “The most important of which is the renewal of Akram Afif’s contract,” said Xavi told Al Sadd’s website.
“We must also sign foreign players to replace Gabi and Marco Fabian,” added Xavi, with Al Sadd recently announcing the departures of both. With the QSL resuming on July 24, Xavi was glad to welcome back on Saturday the Al Sadd players who were attending a national team training camp.
“I am happy that the squad is complete after the return of the remaining first team players, in preparation for this upcoming period and the resumption of the league championship.”
Sadd were third in the QSL standings on 32 points when the season was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March. With five matches remaining, Al Duhail lead on 42 points while Al Rayyan (38) are second.
Xavi, however, believes there is still all to play for and is determined to see Al Sadd hitting the ground running when competitive action resumes. “My complete focus in this current period is to fully equip the players for the upcoming domestic and Asian competitions.”
He will get a chance to gauge the level of the players in friendlies against Umm Salal tomorrow and Muaither six days later. Sadd were also on course for a berth in the 2020 AFC Champions League knockout stage, with Xavi’s men having four points on the board in Group D after two matches before the season was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Al Sadd forward Akram Afif (right) poses with head coach Xavi after signing a new contract yesterday.
