Former São Paulo and Arsenal midfielder Denilson recently signed with Middle East outfit Al Wahda. He has moved to Al Wahda for around £ 3 million from São Paulo after recently making his move to the Brazilian club permanent.
A three-year contract signed withAl Wahda would suggest that he is in for the long term, but the player’s career path in the last five years shows a very different story. After making his name in Brazilian football, Denilson moved to Arsenal as a very young player. Despite his lack of experience, he was a consistent first-team player for several years before losing his spot.
This led to his return to Brazilian football once again rather than attempt to play at a top European club. After spending the last few years at São Paulo where he made the loan move permanent, Denilson appears to have been left disappointed with the lack of recognition in the national team. He is now close enough to featuring as a regular for the Brazilian national team despite the poor form shown by the International stars. He has moved toAl Wahda amidst solutions that this could be yet another short-term transfer. Denilson says that he is coming toAl Wahda for the long haul.
“I came here not to play for one or two years but I came here to play for as long as I can. I know UAE football is growing every year and, thanks to my agent, I’m here now. I would like to promise all the Al Wahda fans that I will be playing to the best of my ability and giving my best. It is a new challenge for me but I have heard good things about the league and I’m very much looking forward to it,” said the 27-year-old.