Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane said Mamelodi Sundowns star Gaston Sirino was crying for the chance to join the African champions.
Sundowns ended the long transfer saga in December, saying the two clubs were far from agreeing on an assessment of the move.
Mosimane and Sirino have made no secret of their desire to reunite in Cairo and the Red Devils coach has now offered additional insight into the behind-the-scenes details surrounding the Uruguayan playmaker’s failed move.
“I spoke to the South American, the agent who gave us [Sundowns] Sirino. He suggested a few players. We are monitoring the players he recommended, ”Mosimane told SAFJA.
“And we continue with Gaston Sirino. I mean, you saw what he said, he spoke frankly and openly about missing the opportunity to play for the biggest club on the continent.
“I understand. We have to remember that when I recruit I do it with a vision and I tell that vision to the players.
“And I said to Sirino [when he joined Sundowns]”Look‚ your age “‚ because he came to South Africa at the age of 26 ‚and said” and you missed Europe ‚no doubt about it. Your luck is therefore China, the Middle East or South Africa.
“I said,” at that point South Africa is giving you this opportunity. Come here and do well and when you play in the [Champions League], in the [Club] World Cup ‚the Middle East will see you‚ and this is your future beyond night.
“I mean we all know the financial rewards that happen in football. Xavi left Barca to go. [manager of Qatar club Al Sadd]‚ [Andres] Iniesta has left Barca to travel to Asia. It goes without saying why everyone is going.
“It’s the same situation for Gaston. It was the only part for him in motion [to Sundowns]. From South America, you go to the Middle East or South Africa ‚or China‚ or follow the Dino Ndlovu route especially when you are over 25 ‚26.
“With us that education still has to be there for the players and even the coaches. Once you are over 25 and are still good you have to make sure that the contracts are correct because there are only a few left. years.
“So unfortunately Gaston is 29 years old now‚ he will be 30 years old. So I understand how he reacted to say ‚I have a chance to do a little more for my family‚ and me ‚because this could be my last Contract ‘.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see all of the new Sundowns signings this season
While Ahly’s pursuit for Sirino began before Moismane’s historic move to Egypt, he continued to defend the player who asked to leave the club just months after signing a lucrative long-term deal with Masandawana.
“OK‚ you can say he signed a five-year contract at Sundowns. But I also signed a four-year contract. [at Downs]. Life is like that, ”explained the two-time winner of the CAF Champions League.
“Unfortunately, players have 40‚ 50 years to live after football. So you have to do all you can to support yourself for 65 years.
“What are you going to live on because you have no skills outside of football? That’s why the players are moving to Asia‚ Japan ‚the Middle East‚ because it’s the last chance they have to leave . “
“It’s like that with Gaston. He had this chance. And he cries for this chance, I know for sure.”
