MOSCOW, January 13 (R-Sport) – Anzhi Makhachkala parted ways with one of their last remaining stars on Monday as Brazilian midfielder Jucilei left to join Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.
The 25-year-old joined the Russian side in 2011, when billionaire Suleiman Kerimov took charge of the club with the aim of building a European Champions League-winning team.
Jucilei was a key figure in the center of midfield, making 99 appearances over three seasons. He also played twice for the Brazil national team in 2010.
Kerimov all but abandoned the project in August, slashing the Dagestan-based club’s budget dramatically to drive out Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o and former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, among others.
Jucilei leaves Anzhi with the club six points adrift at the bottom of the Russian Premier League.
At Al Jazira, he will play under the guidance of former Italy international goalkeeper Walter Zenga, who was appointed in October.
Al Jazira are third in the Arabian Gulf League, UAE’s top-tier competition, and are preparing for the start of the Asian Champions League.
