Former AC Milan striker Ricardo Oliveira has joined United Arab Emirates outfit Al-Jazira from Real Betis for UAE’s transfer record fee of €14 million.
It is reported that the fee will be split between Betis and Real Zaragoza as the player was co-owned by the two clubs.
His move to Jazira comes after Betis were relegated to Spain’s Segunda División last season.
The 29-year-old will become the new strike partner of another former Betis player, Rafael Sóbis, the previous record signing at €10 million, for the big spending Abu Dhabi club, who are owned by Manchester City supremo Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
"I thought of the family, and I had to make this decision," Oliveira told AS.
"This is an offer that will benefit Betis and Zaragoza also made a lot of pressure for the deal to go through.
"Of course the Emirati league is not one of the strongest. I know I will leave the greatness of La Liga but I have made this decision and it is very important for me and Betis.
"I hope Betis supporters will understand me, this is a personal and family decision."
Oliveira, who has 11 caps and three goals for Brazil, played for Milan between 2006-2008 but his time in Serie A was a disappointment, scoring just three goals from 26 matches.
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It is reported that the fee will be split between Betis and Real Zaragoza as the player was co-owned by the two clubs.
His move to Jazira comes after Betis were relegated to Spain’s Segunda División last season.
The 29-year-old will become the new strike partner of another former Betis player, Rafael Sóbis, the previous record signing at €10 million, for the big spending Abu Dhabi club, who are owned by Manchester City supremo Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
"I thought of the family, and I had to make this decision," Oliveira told AS.
"This is an offer that will benefit Betis and Zaragoza also made a lot of pressure for the deal to go through.
"Of course the Emirati league is not one of the strongest. I know I will leave the greatness of La Liga but I have made this decision and it is very important for me and Betis.
"I hope Betis supporters will understand me, this is a personal and family decision."
Oliveira, who has 11 caps and three goals for Brazil, played for Milan between 2006-2008 but his time in Serie A was a disappointment, scoring just three goals from 26 matches.
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