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Abu Dhabi: The Al Shabab players were overjoyed by winning the league title and expressed their happiness and pleasure to Gulf News after receiving the League Shield at Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium late on Wednesday night.
"We are happy to win the title for the third time. We dedicate this victory to our loyal fans who came from Dubai to support us." team captain Salim Sa'ad said.
"We deserved to win because we led the standings all the season and despite the fact that we have more than a chance to win the title in our last match, our coach asked us to play to win the match. We did not play to achieve a draw."
Defender Badr Abdul Rahman said: "Before the match, we said we will celebrate the league title in Al Jazira and we did just that. It was not because we took Al Jazira for granted but because we have confidence in our capabilities and determination."
Midfielder Adil Abdullah added: "The match was held in a fantastic atmosphere. It was a real cup final. Both teams played a good encounter and the draw was enough for us to win the title. I dedicate this title to our fans."
Reserve goalkeeper Jumaa Rashid said: "I might be the most pleased player in Al Shabab.
"It is the second time for me to win the league title on the same ground. In 1994-95 season I was under the bar for the team that last won the title when we defeated Al Jazira two weeks before the end of the competition."
Obaid Ali Hubaitah, the team's manager, who was a player in the 1994-95 winning team, said "We were keen to instruct the players before the match not to think about a draw. We asked them to win the match but Al Jazira are a good team and a draw was enough for us to win the title. I wish Al Jazira good luck next season they have proved to be one of the best contenders for the title this season."
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