Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Al Ain: AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Al Ain’s new recruit Miroslav Stoch has vowed to bring the first-ever ACL winners to another level as the Emirati club prepare for their showdown against Saudi rivals Al Ittihad next month.
In an effort to land their second continental title after more than a decade, coach Zlatko Dalic signed the Slovakian alongside Lee Myung-joo and Rashed Essa and Stoch is adamant that the Al Ain-based side have higher hopes of winning the quarters thanks to his arrival.
“I am so excited to start with Al Ain,” the winger told Sports 360° after joining his team at the club’s Monecatini Terme training base in Italy.
“I know well the challenges waiting for Al Ain and I hope to win more trophies and cups here (with Al Ain).
“I know that Al Ain is one of the best clubs in the UAE as well as in Asia so I wish to adapt with the team soon to succeed,” he added hinting at next month’s double-headers against Al Ittihad.
Croatian coach Dalic has also revealed his close communication with the Slovakian and his expectations from the tricky winger.
“I spoke to Stoch about some issues and I expect a lot from him,” he said.
“I told him we are aiming to win the quarter-final of the ACL, so I wish to get him into the team quickly and everyone will help him too,” added Dalic.
The 24-year-old winger began his career with Slovak oldest club Nitra in 2005 before making his move to Chelsea three years later but he made only four appearances for the London giants as he was loaned to Dutch top-flight Twente, and then transferred to Fenerbahce, where the bulk of his club career was made with 14 goals in 70 showings. He was then loaned to Greek first division outfit PAOK in 2013 before the deal with Al Ain.
Photo: AFP