Benarbia heads to Qatar

Benarbia joins Batistuta, Leboeuf and Effenberg in Qatar

Ali Benarbia has confirmed he is joining Al-Rayyan of Qatar - days after leaving Manchester City and saying he was quitting football.

The 34-year old Algerian midfielder becomes the second foreign player to join the club after German veteran Mario Basler signed up last May.

Benarbia, who has agreed a two-year deal, told the Al-Watan newspaper: "I am fully aware of the challenges lying ahead with a big club like Al-Rayyan."

Gabriel Batistuta, Frank Leboeuf and Steffen Effenberg have also decided to pitch up in Qatar.

Benarbia added: "With those players taking part the domestic competition should be quite entertaining."

Benarbia may continue

Benarbia left City saying he did not feel he could cope with another season in the Premiership.

On hearing of Benarbia's decision to quit, manager Kevin Keegan said: "It came as a complete shock to me when he came and told me after the game at Mansfield that he wanted to call it a day.

"It is entirely his decision and from that point of view it is the best decision for him."

Benarbia flitted in an out of the side last season after an outstanding opening to his City career when he helped the club win promotion.

Qatar is now seen as a wealthy retirement home for top players, just as America was a few years ago.

Benarbia is set to play his last game for City against Barcelona when they open their new stadium, the City of Manchester Stadium, on 10 August.

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