4 May 2007, by Marco Pereira

Joao Tomas to extend successful Qatar spell

Former Benfica and Braga striker to stay in Middle East

Former Sporting Braga striker, Joao Tomas, has confessed that he will extend his stay with Qatar club, Al-Rayyan, for one more season.

The Portuguese hitman joined the Middle East outfit in August on loan, and now the club look set to keep him on for another year.

“When the season ended, almost 15 days ago, the club expressed their interest in keeping me,” confessed Tomas. “At the moment we are in negotiations to extend my stay for one more year.”

Tomas has had a good rookie season with the club, netting 16 goals in 26 games. The former Benfica striker went on to add that staying another year would please him as he and his family are enjoying life in Qatar.

“The adaptation went well for me and my family; we feel good. In sporting terms we finished in 4th are still competing for the King’s Cup and I scored 16 goals.”

Al-Rayyan have let Braga know of their intention to keep the striker and will have to dish out 1-1.5 million euros to seal the deal with the Portuguese club. If negotiations break down, Tomas is not worried because he knows he has a home with Braga.

“I will still be happy with life all the same! I will return without any problems to a club I know and where I feel good.”