Dubai club Al Ain complete loan signing of Emmanuel Emenike

UAE side Al Ain have completed the loan signing of Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Emenike replaces Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan who has joined Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG on a two-year deal.

The deal includes an option for Al Ain to buy Emenike at the end of the loan.

The 28-year-old, who scored 4 league goals in 27 matches last season, knows he has much to live up to after Gyan’s 128 goals in four years in the UAE.

“This is a big club with high expectations and I promise to give my best,” he told BBC Sport.

“It is true that [Asamoah] Gyan has done a remarkable job here so I understand there will be expectations.

“But I also want to succeed alongside the fantastic players here and win trophies because that is what the club is all about.

“On a personal note this is a fresh challenge that I need in my career and I hope to make a great contribution at Al Ain.

“I’ve been given an amazing welcome by the club and my focus now is to deliver on the pitch.”

Emenike endured a turbulent period at Fenerbahce having initially transferred to the Turkish side in 2011.