Richard Rios says Al-Ittihad’s community spirit made him choose Saudi move

Richard Rios says Al-Ittihad’s identity as “the people’s club” was a major factor in his decision to join from Benfica, while promising to give everything for the Saudi Arabian side and its supporters.

The Colombia midfielder moved to Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window on a season-long loan from Benfica. The deal covers his full salary, but does not include an option for the Saudi club to make the transfer permanent.

Speaking to Al-Ittihad’s official YouTube channel, Rios said he was proud to have been selected by the club and was determined to repay the faith shown in him.

“I am very happy with this opportunity to represent this historic club, which chose me because of its appreciation for me, my work and what I can offer the team,” he said.

The 25-year-old added that the reaction from supporters had encouraged him to accept the move, particularly because many had called for the club to sign him before his arrival.

“That was one of the reasons that encouraged me even more to join: the people, the fans and the support they gave me even before I came, when they were asking the club to sign me and hoping I would arrive,” he said.

“That was a huge motivation for me. I am very grateful to the fans for their support and the affection they have shown me and my family even before I came. I felt that I was one of them, and that encouraged me. I am very happy about it.”

Rios also said Al-Ittihad’s history and the significance of being linked with the club had strengthened his desire to move to Jeddah.

“Having my name put forward to join the team was very important and gave me great motivation, especially after learning about the club’s history, which also motivated me a lot,” he said.

The midfielder described Al-Ittihad as a club rooted in ordinary communities, saying that outlook reflected both his Colombian background and his upbringing in Brazil.

“The most important thing that attracted me to Al-Ittihad is that it is the people’s team. It is a team that came from the neighbourhood, and that expresses me and represents me, whether as a Colombian or because of my upbringing and the years I spent in Brazil,” Rios said.

“I am one of the people, and people are very important to me. That encouraged me to come because the club and its fans are one entity.”

Rios said he understood that supporters expected commitment on the pitch and promised to respond through his performances rather than words alone.

“I feel great support from the fans, and I will repay their support with what I do on the field: fighting spirit and giving everything I have in every training session and every match. That is my character,” he said.

“I am a player who never gives up and gives everything on the pitch. I am ready to sacrifice my life for my team-mates and the club, and that is what I will do. I think people will know me for my fighting spirit, my strength and the effort I put in on the field.”

Rios could make his Al-Ittihad debut on Saturday evening at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, where his new side are due to host traditional rivals Al-Nassr in the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi League.