Why Mohanad Ali Chose Al-Shorta Over Tempting Offers

International striker Mohannad Ali "Mimi" has returned to Al-Shorta, beginning a new chapter with the "Green Lyre" for the upcoming season.

The return comes to represent the team in the Iraqi Premier League competitions, and in the biggest challenge represented by the AFC Champions League, where Police FC will be the sole representative of Iraqi football in the continental tournament.

Mohanad Ali, 26, concluded his association with Dibba Al-Fujairah in June, subsequently entering the transfer market as a free agent.

The club did not disclose the financial details of the contract, but it announced the deal in a striking manner through its official platforms.

"The performances played their melodies and the temptations grew, but the strings of the lyre pulled Mimi towards them."

The statement was a clear indication that the player preferred the police project over other offers he received recently.

Despite receiving substantial financial offers from both Erbil and Zakho, Mimi did not find the guarantees he is looking for in those proposals.

Close sources have confirmed that the fluctuating financial situation at some local clubs has been a direct reason for players to reconsider their options, especially since the player is looking for a stable environment that allows him to focus on his performance.

At Al-Shorta, Mimi finds everything he desires: a management that knows how to handle stars, fans who know him well, and a dressing room filled with names he has strong ties to for years.

The club's policy of retaining its core squad and instilling confidence in players perfectly aligns with the striker's aspirations at this stage of his career.

Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi has played a major role in convincing "Mimi" to return.

The duo previously worked together at Al-Sailiya during the 2020-2021 season, a period that the player considers the best of his professional career.

Tarablsi restored confidence in Mohannad after a difficult period spent on the bench at Al Duhail. He granted him a crucial role that contributed to his resurgence.

This technical connection made the player feel that he was "indebted" to the coach, so he did not hesitate to answer the call to return and work with him again on the police project.

Mimi's return represents a major offensive boost for Al-Shorta, especially with his historic participation in the AFC Champions League as the sole representative of Iraq.

The player views the continental tournament as a platform to reintroduce himself in Asia, and to prove that he is still one of the top strikers in the region.

On the local front, Mimi is determined to contribute to the restoration of the Iraqi Premier League title, aiming to bring the "Qithara" back to the podium after several seasons of competition.

Since joining the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' in 2017, he has made 71 international appearances and scored 26 goals.

His current market value stands at €1.2 million, placing him among the list of the highest-valued Iraqi players at present.