Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@alaa_saeed88
Topics: Fabinho, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Liverpool
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Fabinho, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Liverpool
Fabinho was presented with a Rolex watch after impressing on his Saudi Pro League debut, although he accidentally dropped the gift moments later.
The 29-year-old Brazil international, who joined Al-Ittihad from Liverpool last month for £40 million, partnered N'Golo Kante in midfield as Nuno Espirito Santo's side picked up an easy 3-0 win against Al-Raed.
Goals from Abderrazak Hamdallah and Igor Coronado [2] sealed the victory in Buraidah and, after the full-time whistle, the former Monaco midfielder was heading towards the exit when he was stopped by a fan.
Then, much to Fabinho's surprise, the supporter placed a Rolex watch on his wrist.
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But as you can see in the footage below – posted by Twitter user @alaa_saeed88 – that expensive watch fell to the ground as he walked away after it hadn't been secured properly.
Speaking to Saudi broadcaster SSC Channel after the full-time whistle, Fabinho said: "We were stronger in the first half and managed to control the tempo of the game despite the scorching weather.
"While we didn't create numerous chances, we were clearly dominant in the second half, scoring three goals. We could have scored more, but what mattered most was our control and rhythm throughout the match."
The Brazilian also opened up on how Al-Ittihad won the game. "We capitalized on Al-Raed's defensive disorganization, positioned ourselves effectively, and witnessed a stronger overall performance," he added.
"This marks my first match with the team, and there's much more to come."
Fabinho added: "Having played five years at Liverpool, I was among the top players in my positions. Yet, there's room for improvement. I'm still a young player, and I aspire to develop further and contribute significantly to the team's success."
Earlier this year, former Al-Hilal forward Odion Ighalo gave us an insight into how the Saudi Pro League team travel to games when he filmed his ride on the luxurious Boeing 747-400 plane.
The 34-year-old, who has played in the Middle East for two years, posted the 90-second tour of the private Boeing 747-400, which is chartered by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
It is believed the plane is worth $220 million, according to Aeroaffaires.