Monday, 14th January, 2013
Brazilian forward Nene has defended his decision to move from Paris Saint-Germain to Qatari side Al-Gharafa, claiming it will secure the future of his family.
Nene had options from across Europe and in his native Brazil, but chose to swap French football for the Middle East, despite being just 31 years old.
Last season Nene finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1, hitting the back of the net 21 times.
But the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the Parc des Princes over the summer, combined with the signing of Ezequiel Lavezzi, relegated Nene to a bit-part role.
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"Some opportunities you get only once", Nene told reporters, defending his move.
"I do hope that people will understand where I’m coming from. The future of my family I now see as being completely secure."
Nene joined PSG in 2010 from fellow French side Monaco.
The 31-year-old first made the leap into European football in 2003, when he signed for Spanish outfit Real Mallorca. He will link up with countrymen Diego Tardelli, Alex and Afonso Alves at Al-Gharafa.
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