Reinaldo quits Roar for Qatar

Departing Brisbane Roar striker Reinaldo has given the A-League club a glowing endorsement in an emotional farewell at Ballymore Stadium.

A veteran of 92 games for the Roar, Reinaldo said that he had no choice but to leave in the middle of their most successful season after he was offered a two-year contract worth nearly A$2 million by struggling Qatar Stars League side Al-Ahli.

With a heavy heart, he thanked the club for their treatment throughout his five-year tenure, and lauded their generosity in granting him an early release to take up a more lucrative deal.

“What (coach) Ange (Postecoglou) and the staff did for me I didn’t think anyone could do. We are in the middle of the season and when I spoke with them about the offer I had, they said that it my decision and they were going to agree whether I stay or go and they just wanted to see me happy,” he said.

“That’s what Brisbane Roar is, it’s a family, and I just want to appreciate what everyone did for me.”

Reinaldo admitted that his decision to leave the club was made even harder by their success in the 2010/11 A-League season so far, which sees them sit on top of the ladder after 21 games.

“The last four years were great to play here, but this year with Ange a lot of things have changed (for the better). He tried to represent this club the best way. We can see now with the success of the team,” he said.

“From my point of view the best team is the Roar this year. And I hope we continue to build the Brisbane Roar football club.”