DOHA: Experienced Uruguayan defender Gonzalo Viera has pledged to give his best to help his new employers Al Rayyan succeed in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title race.
Viera signed a one-year loan deal with Al Rayyan, who are leading the points table after two rounds of matches in the 2015-16 QSL season.
After being presented to the media, Viera, 28, said: “I will work hard. I will improve my fitness and so that fans get to see quality football. I want to help the club win.”
The Uruguayan defender added: “The club wants to win matches and my task is to help them do that. I hope Al Rayyan reach the winner’s podium at the end of the season.”
Viera said he had been following Al Rayyan through social media feeds prior to coming to Qatar.
He said he started negotiations ‘about a month ago’ with Al Rayyan.
“The reason I am here is because of my communication with (coach) Jorge Fossati,” Viera said.
“He advised me to play at Al Rayyan who are a top side,” Viera said.
Fossati, the former Qatar national team coach and the manager of Al Sadd, was roped in to manage Al Rayyan in July this year.
When asked about his playing position, Viera said he was open to playing anywhere in central defense.
Viera said he played two seasons with Penarol, helping them to the Uruguayan title once.
“I can play anywhere the coach asks me to. I am confident I can play fluently,” Viera said.
“I always play for the fans. It is good to have a strong fan base and I know Al Rayyan have a good fan base,” Viera, who will wear the number 13 jersey, said. Al Rayyan President Sheikh Saud bin Khaled Al Thani welcomed the player, saying he would be an asset to Al Rayyan’s cause in the new season.
“He has played a lot of football with quality sides. We welcome him to our side,” Sheikh Saud said.
“We hope he brings good form to our club and we win matches,” he said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the fans for backing and supporting us in the first two rounds,” he said.
“We know he Gonzalo Viera will start training straight away as he has cleared his medical,” he said.
Al Rayyan are at the top of QSL standing after two rounds. Al Rayyan now play Umm Salal in the third round on Sunday at Al Sadd Stadium. QSL third round matches will be played on Sturday and Sunday, it was announced yesterday.The Peninsula
