Paolo Otavio has been a pillar of strength for top Expo Stars League team Al Sadd whom he joined this season from German Bundesliga club Wolfsburg.

The influential Brazilian is one of the best left-backs around and is a player The Wolves’ Portuguese coach Bruno Miguel relies on.

Al Sadd currently occupy second place in the 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League table with 13 points and have a postponed match in hand. And they are placed third with four points in Group B of 2023-2024 AFC Champions League following their win 6-0 win over Jordan’s Al Faisaly in Round 3.

Otavio, who spoke to Qatar Stars League website in an Exclusive Interview, started off by expressing his delight to be playing in Qatar representing Al Sadd.

“After the first few games, I’ve got a good impression of the Expo Stars League. I joined Al Sadd from Wolfsburg, where I played for four seasons, and I felt some difference between the two leagues. But what matters the most is about how hungry you’re for success. In the end, you forget everything, keep playing to your full potential and you see yourself successful.

“I’m aware that Al Sadd have won the most number of league titles in Qatar and I’m keen to contribute to further success with the club. I’m a player who gives off my best every day and I hope to help the team regain the league title and win other championships. I’ll be more happier if I can motivate my team-mates to achieve more,” said Otavio.

The 28-year-old said he was eager to do his job to the best of his ability and thus strengthen Al Sadd’s defence.

“I can’t comment on Al Sadd’s performance last season, but I can say that I do my best so that the team doesn’t concede many goals. I like to have clean sheets in matches. We’ve a well-balanced, strong squad having outstanding professionals, both overseas and Qatari players. We’ve many players from the Qatar national team, most notably captain Hassan Al Haydous and Akram Afif, and I’m sure we can win everything with this bunch of players.

“The squad has high quality that we can even lift the AFC Champions League trophy, which we last won in 2011. We’re ambitious, as always, and we’ll strive hard for continental success again,” he said.

It may be recalled that Al Sadd had drawn their first game in 2023-2024 AFC Champions League against Sharjah and then lost to Uzbekistan’s Nasaf before posting a big win over Al Faisaly.

Otavio concluded the interview with his message to Al Sadd’s loyal fans, “I wish to tell our passionate fans that they can expect from me my best every day. Al Sadd is my family and I’ll fight for the club, for everything. Our fans are a major source of strength for us.”