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Ex-Bayern Munich and Real Madrid midfielder Ze Roberto: Qatar's recent growth meant I could not turn down Al Gharafa move
The former Brazil international believes the Qatari Stars League is on the rise with better infrastructure and imports making it a more attractive destination
19 Jan 2012 08:44:00
By Ben Somerford
Former Brazil international Ze Roberto has revealed the recent rise of football in Qatar meant he couldn't resist moving to Al Gharafa last July.
The 37-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder revealed he had been receiving offers from Qatari clubs for the past five years, but only opted to join Al Gharafa last year after the Middle East nation won the hosting rights for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
"Lots of things have changed since Qatar was named host of the 2022 World Cup. Interest in the game has grown here over the last few years, infrastructures are better and clubs have improved," Ze Roberto told Fifa.com.
"They’re attracting some big players now, which has raised the standard of the league
"Before taking a decision I spoke to my friend Juninho [Pernambucano], who played for Al Gharafa and couldn’t speak highly enough of his time here.
"There was no way I could turn down the offer after that, especially as I was looking for a new challenge.
"I think this is going to be a very rewarding experience, even for someone of my age. I’ll be doing what I can to help my club and Qatari football as a whole, and right now I’m very happy here in Doha."
Ze Roberto, who made 84 appearances for his country during his 12-year international career, carved out a long career in Europe before leaving Hamburg for Al Gharafa.
The 37-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder revealed he had been receiving offers from Qatari clubs for the past five years, but only opted to join Al Gharafa last year after the Middle East nation won the hosting rights for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
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"Lots of things have changed since Qatar was named host of the 2022 World Cup. Interest in the game has grown here over the last few years, infrastructures are better and clubs have improved," Ze Roberto told Fifa.com.
"They’re attracting some big players now, which has raised the standard of the league
"Before taking a decision I spoke to my friend Juninho [Pernambucano], who played for Al Gharafa and couldn’t speak highly enough of his time here.
"There was no way I could turn down the offer after that, especially as I was looking for a new challenge.
"I think this is going to be a very rewarding experience, even for someone of my age. I’ll be doing what I can to help my club and Qatari football as a whole, and right now I’m very happy here in Doha."
Ze Roberto, who made 84 appearances for his country during his 12-year international career, carved out a long career in Europe before leaving Hamburg for Al Gharafa.
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