Photos: Newly-signed Muntari promises Ittihad trophies

Midfielder Sulley Muntari says he is in no holiday mood as he vows to help new club Al-Ittihad win ‘everything this year’.

The 30-year-old has completed a two-year free agent move after passing his medicals with the Saudi Arabian giants.

In the middle of his medical at the facilities of Bupa Arabia, Ittihad’s official healthcare partners, the Ghanaian international paused to have a word to the club’s fans:

“Hi, I’m here having my medical and I can’t wait to be here in Jeddah to see all the fans. Insha Allah, we will win everything this year,” Muntari said in the video released by Bupa Arabia.

The former Milan man has been handed his iconic number 4 shirt and is expected to officially begin training with Ittihad by August 4.

Muntari later spoke at length over his move to the Saudi Pro League after his official unveiling on Monday night.

"Moving to Ittihad is a new chapter; let’s say it’s not a fight but a new challenge for me especially coming to Saudi Arabia, Jeddah to play for Ittihad. I just can’t wait to be there [sic],” the Ghanaian said in a post-unveiling chat.</p>

"[I know] a lot about the Ittihad team. They’ve won a lot of trophies – the Asian Cup twice and they’ve been at the Club World Cup too and also with their fans, they are amazing. They always fill the stadium and they are very passionate so I can’t wait to meet them too."

"I’m not promising but that is what I’m coming for. I want to come there not for holidays. I’m coming there to work really hard for Ittihad to be able to win trophies so we want everyone to come to fill the stadium always this year so win and make them happy."

Cometh the Prince
In news relating to compatriot Kevin-Prince Boateng, the frozen Schalke attacker has held ‘encouraging’ talks with Ittihad after initial struggles to reach him from his holidays base.

On Monday, the 28-year-old together with his advisors, Edoardo Crnjar and Federico Pastorello, opened negotiations with the President of Al-Ittihad. The ball remains now remains in Boateng’s court to accept the club’s lucrative offer.

Ittihad had gone in for Inter’s Fredy Guarin but turned attention to Boateng after learning of the Colombian’s unavailability.

"Guarin is a big player. Even Prince is a big player. I talked at length with Boateng, the president [also] talked a lot with him. The team would be great IIf he decides to take the deal. I leave everything in his hands,” says Muntari.

Boateng’s arrival could signal the exit of Poland’s Lukasz Szukala and Romanian midfielder Lucian Sanmartean from the club.

Ittihad who placed fourth last season will open their 2015/16 Saudi Pro League away to Najran SC at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium on August 20. Najran have former Hearts of Oak playmaker Winful Cobbinah in their roster.

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