West Brom sign Ali Al-Habsi
Ali Al-Habsi says helping Albion return to the Premier League will be the perfect way to end his illustrious playing career.
The former Bolton, Wigan and Reading keeper was snapped up by the Baggies earlier today to provide competition for Sam Johnstone and Jonathan Bond.
An FA Cup winner in his time with the Latics, Al-Habsi has won 127 caps for Oman.
He has also spent the last two seasons playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia where he won the Saudi Professional League and the Saudi Super Cup.
“I’ve spent 12 years in English football and when the chance to come here and finish my career in England in a nice way came around, I had no doubts,” Ali said.
“I knew Bondy (Jonathan Bond) from my time at Reading and I spoke with Ahmed (Hegazi) who I’ve followed since he came here so it is fantastic to be here.
“I want to help the team and help the keepers – I know the target of the club is to go back into the Premier League and I want to be part of that. It would be brilliant for me.
"What I’ve seen so far is really, really good. I’m still fit and I’m looking forward to this competition. I’ve been involved for a long, long time in English football. This is the country of football.”
Ali is a hugely popular figure in his homeland. And the keeper, who has spent the last week training with the Baggies, admits his supporters in Oman will be delighted to see him back in the English game.
“Everybody in Oman will be very, very happy that I have this chance to finish my career here in England,” he continued.
“They have been contacting me all the time to find out what was happening.”
Meanwhile, Albion goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh has warned Johnstone and Bond that Al-Habsi hasn't signed just to make up the numbers.
“We were really keen for Ali to come over," Walsh said.
“He’s played in Saudi for the last two years, which is a good standard, and I knew the way he lives his life and the way he trains that he was in top condition. He’s 37 but he’s not, if you see what I mean.
“His last two years in the Championship at Reading he was voted Player of the Year each time and the manager saw him play against him in Saudi last season.
“He’s got a great personality for the dressing room and for Sam and Bondy and he’s not come in as a number three. He’s come to push Sam and Jonathan all the way.”
