JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad’s coach Nuno Espirito Santo has urged the authorities to allow his club’s Brazilian striker Romario Ricardo da Silva — commonly known as Romarinho — Saudi citizenship so that he can play international football for the Kingdom after spending five years in the country.
His request was made public during Santo’s pre-match press conference in Taif on Tuesday ahead of Al-Ittihad’s match against the Police Sports Club from Iraq tomorrow night.
He said: “We are studying the possibility of Romarinho obtaining Saudi nationality, to be a local player. He has spent a long time in Saudi Arabia and I hope he will obtain a Saudi passport. We are trying to move forward in this regard, and the matter will also benefit the Saudi national team itself.
“There are teams that follow this approach in Europe, and Qatar as well. We will see first if the regulations allow this matter, and I hope that we will succeed in keeping all foreign players.”
Speaking about tomorrow’s match, Santo added: “It will be a difficult match against a strong and organized defensive opponent.
“The Iraqi team has competent players in the back line, and they are good on the counterattack.
“We have observed the opponent and analyzed them well. We will compete strongly to continue developing as a team.”
Fabinho moved from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal this week, and Santo said: “Fabinho has become an official player for us, but he will not be able to participate in this tournament.
“He will be with us in training normally to start integrating with the group, to get to know the rhythm of work here, and to get to know his new teammates before the start of the new season. I think we have a great player.”
Regarding the availability of previously injured N’Golo Kante, Santo added: “(He) is currently in a better condition, and we will try to assess his condition in training today, to look at the possibility of him participating in the match.
“We will also meet the medical staff to find out his position regarding the Police meeting specifically, but it is almost certain that he will be available for the quarter-finals.”
