UAE's Khamis Esmail is joined by Brazil's Grafite & Argentina's Sebastian Tagliabue for 2013-2014 Season

Dubai, 17th September 2013 – adidas proudly unveiled a new all-star line-up of international football ambassadors for the UAE Arabian Gulf League's 2013-2014 season featuring Al Jazira's Khamis Esmail, Al Wahda's Sebastian Tagliabue, and Al Ahil Club's ‘Grafite.' The world-class trio are widely recognised to be amongst the most gifted and prolific footballers in the UAE Arabian Gulf League and will now officially represent the adidas brand on the pitch.

Joining the ranks of some of the greatest players to have ever graced the game past or present – including adidas ambassadors Messi, Van Persie, Zidane and Beckham – the talented threesome combine a devastating mix of powerful midfield strength with attacking flair and goal scoring prowess that will excite fans and fill any opposition with fear.  

UAE Olympic hero and Al Jazira midfield ‘Engine' player, Khamis Esmail continues in his adidas role representing the best of local home grown talent. The Gulf Cup winner who is known for his tough tackling, energetic movement and high intensity performances will take to the pitch for 2013-2014 in the latest evolution of adidas football boot, Nitrocharge.

Designed for the next generation player that drives a team, Esmail was the first player identified by adidas in the UAE as ‘The Engine', having starred in a number of battling performances for 90 minutes for the National team.

Following a season that ended in injury, a refreshed Khamis Esmail said; “I'm energised, fit and ready for the new season ahead. Whether for my club or the national team every year seems to get more competitive. Each game feels more intense and the play even quicker. But I feel my game is ready for it. I'm looking forward to winning the battles in midfield and so are my boots.”

“It's a great feeling to be part of the adidas family and a brand that wants to win just as much as I do. To be featured alongside players like Teghali and Grafite is hugely exciting and a real honour.”      

In a season that culminates in what is sure to be one the greatest football events of all time with the staging of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, adidas has added two exquisite South American stars to their own UAE ambassador line-up.

Brazil's Edinaldo Batista Libânio, the player simply known as ‘Grafite', joins the adidas line-up for the first time. A former international and FIFA Club Cup winner, the Al Ahil hero has proved to be a lethal forward all over the world and now the UAE. Deadly in front of goal having been a top scorer in the Bundesliga, Grafite claimed the prestigious title of Best International Player in the UAE last season.

Returning to action to unleash his Predator® Lethal Zones just like Arsenal's Mesut Özil, Grafite is once again expected to leave defenders mesmerized at his first touch and goalkeepers in awe of his powerful shots. Speaking as a new adidas ambassador, Grafite said;

“For all Brazilians this is a big year but especially for me. The beautiful game is coming home. For the first time in my life Brazil will host the FIFA World Cup.  I'm proud to be Brazilian and now proud to be an adidas player as the FIFA World Cup and adidas go hand in hand.”

“I love the game and I'm hungry for more success in the UAE. I think this season will mean a lot to all Brazilian players and I want to show what I can do, just like my country will.” 

Completing the all-star adidas cast is lightening quick Argentinian striker Sebastian Tagliabue, also known as Teghali. Al Wahda's new signing comes with a big reputation for scoring after winning the prestigious Top Goal Scorer of the Saudi Pro League for 2012-2013.

Powered by the lightest and fastest boot adidas has ever created, the F50 adizero, just like countryman Lionel Messi, Teghali is bound settle in quickly make a speedy impact on the game in the UAE.

The new arrival and adidas ambassador said; “Last season was special for me, but I've got a lot to prove here. I've already got a goal under my belt in the first match of this season so I'm hoping that success rate continues. People have certainly heard of me and my goals. They know I'm an Argentinian, I score and I wear adidas F50s so they think I must be like Messi and I'm happy with any comparison!” 

“I've been made to feel very welcome here. I hope defenders can remain just as friendly as everyone else. I feel confident and that's what you need as a forward. Being involved with a brand like adidas and mentioned alongside some true legends is a special feeling. It can only help you play well and give you the right equipment to succeed.”   

For further information please visit adidas.com/football or go to facebook.com/adidasfootball or @adidasfootball on twitter to join the conversation.