The UAE is an ideal environment for the football industry

Former French star Florent Malouda expressed his great happiness at being in the Emirates, stressing his enthusiasm for watching the Ammar Super Cup final, which brings together Sharjah and Shabab Al-Ahly, in a confrontation that he described as open to all possibilities.

Malouda said in press statements before the start of the Super Cup match between Shabab Al-Ahly and Al-Sharjah: “I am very happy to be here, and I thank those in charge of hosting. I am excited to watch the Super Cup final, as it is an important football event and carries a lot of excitement.”

Malouda spoke about his living experience in the Emirates, where he has lived in Dubai for nearly five years, noting that stability and safety were among the most important factors that made him and his family feel comfortable.

He added: “We received a great welcome from the first day, and we greatly appreciate the real opportunities that the UAE offers, not only in life, but also in the sports field. There is a clear vision to support sports in its various forms, and the general environment here is encouraging for work and development.”

Regarding the Ammar Super Cup final between Sharjah and Shabab Al-Ahly, he said: “I am excited to see Sharjah under the leadership of its new coach, especially since he took over the task recently, while Shabab Al-Ahly was the most prominent team during last season, but in the finals, there are no advance calculations, and everything remains possible.”


He added: “I hope we will watch an entertaining, attacking match, full of goals, worthy of the name of the two teams and the value of the tournament.”

Malouda also touched on his assessment of the level of Emirati football in general, stressing his monitoring of it at the club level, as well as the age groups and academies.

He said: “I care a lot about Emirati football, and I follow it at the professional and grassroots levels. The competition between clubs is strong, and we have seen the dominance of different clubs over recent years. For example, Al Ain won the AFC Champions League title with Crespo, then the scene changed with the crowning of Shabab Al Ahly and Al Wasl at the level of local competitions.”

He explained: “It is difficult for any team to impose its dominance for many years, but the most important thing is that there are real talents, and I hope that the level will develop further so that this will reflect positively on the national team.”

Regarding his coaching future, Malouda revealed his ambition to undergo this experience, saying: “I do not know when the next step will be, but I am preparing for it seriously. I finished management courses with the Football Association, and have now begun working on the professional license, and I am waiting for the first appropriate opportunity.”

He added: “Football in the UAE is attractive and presented at a high level, and opportunities are available, which makes it an ideal environment for work in the future.”