Róger Guedes explains “dream” of playing in Qatari football

Confirmed as reinforcements for Al-Rayyan, from Qatar, the striker Roger Guedes left Corinthians at a crucial moment of the season, two weeks before the second leg of the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil, against São Paulo.

He guarantees, however, that he tried to convince the Qatari club to close the deal only after the classic, but had no choice but to leave at this time. The transfer window in the Arab country closes on August 18th and the duel with São Paulo is scheduled for the 16th.

“I tried to stay for the final game (decision date for the Copa do Brasil, scheduled for September 23), but the window closes on the 18th, it was a request from them that they want me to go now. 16, but we couldn’t. I tried to help Corinthians, but we couldn’t, there’s their debut (Al-Rayyan) on the 17. So, that’s it. It’s the best for me”, said the 26-year-old player in an interview with SporTV.

Guedes’ departure was met with frustration and a certain amount of irritation by the Corinthian fans, who saw in the striker the potential to become an idol, if he won a title to add to the feat of becoming the top scorer at Neo Química Arena, with 31 goals.

Róger Guedes explains “dream of playing in Qatar”

The transfer to the Arab world, however, took away from the player the opportunity to become a more relevant name in the club’s history. According to him, playing in Qatar was an old wish.

“What I meant by dreaming of playing in Qatar was that it was my and my family’s wish. It’s a place I already know well and where I’ve been on vacation. I had an agreement with Duilio, I have to thank , because without him nothing would have worked. He fulfilled the agreement we made from the beginning. Everyone knows that I gave up money to come”, defended Róger Guedes.

Despite the bad repercussion of his departure among fans, the striker, who will sign with Al-Rayyan for four seasons, hopes to have the opportunity to return to Corinthians.

“Last year, I declined the proposal to stay, because I understood the moment of the club, which was not good. Today, the time has come to say goodbye. One day, I hope to return, I was very happy, they welcomed me well. The biggest club in Brazil is Corinthians, I hope to return”.

He also said he understands the more aggressive criticism he has been receiving from the fans. “I understand the fans who get angry, for the affection they created with me for my performance. I want to thank everyone for their affection. Those who are angry are because they liked me, loved me. From the heart, if I return to Brazil, I hope to return to Corinthians” .