Spanish star Jose Luis Joselu, a former Real Madrid player, arrived in Doha early Monday morning in preparation for his official joining of Al Gharafa for the 2024-2025 season.

Joselu received a warm reception from Al Gharafa fans and was welcomed by a club delegation headed by Abdulaziz Ali, the team's former goalkeeper and vice president of the football staff.

Upon his arrival, the player expressed his great happiness at joining the team and having a new experience in the Qatari stadiums after a busy career with many European clubs, the last of which was with Real Madrid, where he won the 2024 UEFA Champions League.

The 34-year-old player, who won the Euro 2024 championship with Spain, stressed his great admiration for the warm welcome he received from the fans who were at the airport to receive him, promising to give his best to contribute to achieving titles and championships with the club.

It is noteworthy that Joselu scored 17 goals in 49 matches in various competitions during the last season with Real Madrid.

The Spanish star began his career with the Real Madrid Academy before leaving the team in 2012 and went through several experiences in Germany and England before returning to the Spanish League champions last season, coming from Espanyol.

The Spanish star joined the list of La Roja stars who previously played professionally in Qatar, most notably Raul Gonzalez, Xavi Hernandez, Santi Cazorla, and Fernando Hierro.

The player will undergo medical examinations today, then he will be presented to the fans and the media during a press conference and will join the team’s preparatory camp for the new season in Slovakia.

Al-Gharafa will play their first match in the Ooredoo Stars League on August 9 against Al Khor at Al Bayt Stadium.

Al Gharafa lost 2-3 in a friendly match to UAE's Al Sharjah and also suffered a 1-2 defeat to Slovakian team Lokomotiva Zvolen during their preparatory camp in Slovakia in preparation for next season’s competitions.

Al Gharafa will face Al Ahly of Saudi Arabia in the third match, scheduled for July 26, before concluding the friendly matches against Cypriot team Apollon Limassol on July 31.

They will return to Doha on August 1.