Al Qahtani Turns Down Man City Chance
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Yasser Al Qahtani has claimed that he rejected an offer to join Premiership side Man City.
The Saudi Arabia international arrived at Manchester on 19 December, where he was to go on trial with Sven Goran-Eriksson's side.
However, in an official press conference held on Saturday, the 25-year-old has decided to remain in his homeland with Al Hilal.
"I had a successful trial with Manchester City and I was given great praise from everyone there including coach Sven-Goran Eriksson," said Al Qahtani.
"We had reached an agreement but there were some issues in the contract that were not resolved.
"However, the reason I rejected the offer was not due to financial reasons but because I feel Al Hilal need me too much this season." -
The Fandi of Saudi.
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i hope Lionel agrees to join if he were to be offered a contract there.
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if he pass the trial...Originally posted by turbo_drift:i hope Lionel agrees to join if he were to be offered a contract there. 
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Originally posted by LazerLordz:The Fandi of Saudi.
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he's smart enough for staying in a team where he would definitely be guaranteed a first XI place, rather than moving to a team where he would have to work to break into the first team.
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If a young talented player gets a big break like this he should just grab it as a springboard to launch his playing career.If being in first XI is more important than anything else then might as well play for Sengkang -lah!Originally posted by Deunamist:he's smart enough for staying in a team where he would definitely be guaranteed a first XI place, rather than moving to a team where he would have to work to break into the first team.
Also just to add,even big names need to work hard to stay in the first eleven. -
Read from the newpaper yesterday that he is not good enough for man city...
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Found the report...
Al Qahtani not good enough
HAVE you heard the story about Yasser Al Qahtani?
The reigning Asian Player of the Year claimed last week he turned down an offer to join Manchester City.
Do you want to hear the real story behind the scenes?
The truth is, I was told, Al Qahtani was sent home because he was not good enough.
I have worked in the Middle East for a long time and I am close to several members of the City coaching staff.
What I understand is that the Saudi Arabian international striker flew into Manchester with a huge entourage.
He arrived at the City training ground like a prince and when he took part in his first training session, the members of his entourage lined the length of the touchline cheering his every move.
City skipper Richard Dunne, decided to find out what the fuss over Al Qahtani was all about.
When Al Qahtani got the ball, Dunne smacked the Asian striker with a good ol' fashioned 'welcome' tackle, and Al Qahtani fell onto the ground like a bag of chips.
He started rolling around, squealing and had to be carried off the field.
To make things worse, I understand Al Qahtani broke into tears, clutching his 'injured' ankle.
ONE SESSION
He complained to the City officials that the team was too rough, that they were playing rugby and not football.
Just one session, and Al Qahtani's trial was over.
In the dressing room after training, some City players asked manager Sven-Goran Eriksson if he was really serious in signing Al Qahtani.
Eriksson apparently replied that if he was ever forced by the club management to sign a player like that, he would quit.
Of course, in a face-saving exercise, Al Qahtani released a statement saying he rejected City's offer as he felt his club Al Hilal needed him too much this season.
Think about it: Would any Asian player turn down the chance to play in the Premier League just because a local club needs him?
If he is a player with any ambition, he will surely jump at the offer and do his country proud.
If not, why waste everybody's time and attend a trial while knowing that another home-town club actually 'needs' you?
Al Qahtani's explanation just doesn't hold water.
No doubt, Al Qahtani must be a decent player to be hailed as Asia's best.
But the truth is, when it comes to the Premier League, he is just not good enough.
And I bet he knows it now.
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/sports/story/0,4136,152262,00.html? -
You know sometimes the Saudis like to talk big so I hope he screw up in the opening game against Singapore next month...as a matter of fact I hope the whole Saudi team including the linesmen & referee screw upOriginally posted by Dead_Man_Inc:Read from the newpaper yesterday that he is not good enough for man city... -
amen to that brotherOriginally posted by Short Ninja:You know sometimes the Saudis like to talk big so I hope he screw up in the opening game against Singapore next month...as a matter of fact I hope the whole Saudi team including the linesmen & referee screw up -
Our players are far more tougher than this pansy. One tackle and he complains?
Wait till he plays on the muddy field of Kallang. Then he will know what is hell.
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when is that match huh?Originally posted by Short Ninja:You know sometimes the Saudis like to talk big so I hope he screw up in the opening game against Singapore next month...as a matter of fact I hope the whole Saudi team including the linesmen & referee screw up -
when i read the report i was like wtf? why did he complain to man city official about the rough tackle? its the standard of EPL what
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In the final of the Asian Cup two botak guys from the Iraqi team gave him such a rough time in the first 20 minutes that he became a passenger through out the whole match.I wonder who will be given that dirty task but the good news is no need to cut botak just makan his legs can oreddy> The game is on the 6th February rite??
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yup 6 Feb.
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Dunne tackle mai siao siao even Fernando Torres whole 90 minutes very quiet like a mice like that
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Lionel bo news liao?
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remember this guy and watch him score against singapore.
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Lionel bo news because he where got complain?
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I know this Al Qahtani can be bottled up he is not Diego Maradona,its the other Al Qahtani that could be dangerous with his long shots at goal and penetrating runs along the left flank.Originally posted by HyuugaNeji:remember this guy and watch him score against singapore. -
if he does get offered a contract, will his transfer be a free?Originally posted by Short Ninja:Lionel bo news because he where got complain?
anyway, don't think he will be offered a contract considering his age and his build compared to other goalkeepers in england -
Honestly I dont think he would be offered a contract with Man City and just like you said already but this young keeper could get a short playing for the lesser known clubs .....anywhere outside Asean is cool and what a pity nobody from the J-league has approached him yet.Originally posted by Agenda:if he does get offered a contract, will his transfer be a free?
anyway, don't think he will be offered a contract considering his age and his build compared to other goalkeepers in england -
FW Yasser Al-Qahtani 10 October 1982 54caps for his country 44goals club: Al-Hilal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia_national_football_team -
Lionel is back on vacation. If MCFC wants him, he will be called up for their training camp in Australia in Jan I think.