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Ismail eyes biggest prize to mark 10 years at Al Ain

Abu Dhabi - The defender symbolises that ethos of being an 'Ainawi'

Ismail Ahmad was limping in the second half against River Plate but whenever the likes of Santos Borre, Lucas Pratto, Exequiel Palacios and Gonzalo Martinez attacked the Al Ain defender was up and running full steam to tackle them. On such occasions, it is the mental strength and the spirit of representing the club, crest and the UAE that overrides ones' pain, mind and body. Ismail symbolises that ethos of being an 'Ainawi'.
The 35-year-old has spent 10 years with the club now. His resolute defending against Oceania, African and South American champions has resulted in Al Ain reaching the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 final.
"It's certainly the realisation of a big dream. We're proud of this achievement, but the ultimate goal of winning this title still remains," he told FIFA.com.
"It wasn't easy for us to reach the final. In the opener we played for 120 minutes, then we had a big game against Esperance. The third match was in a very short space of time. Our players performed extremely well in all games."
On the finals, he said: "It'll be 11 versus 11. At this level, there're no big and small teams. The game itself will ultimately decide matters. The morale of the players is the most important thing."
He realises that at 35 this may be his last chance to win this trophy.
"I've done everything I could in this competition and hopefully have made Al Ain and all of UAE football proud."