I am happy to stay at Fujairah, fulfilling the second year of my two-year contract.

We completed the first target of my debut season to stay in the Arabian Gulf League, finishing in ninth place.

For the club, it was the first time ever they stayed in the top flight. This year, we want to be in the top six – that is our target.

There will be a derby this season between Fujairah and Dibba Al Fujairah. I have played many times in the Glasgow derby for Rangers against Celtic.

That game is the biggest derby in the world, for me.

It will be different out here, it is more about families. Last year we played Ittihad Kalba, it felt like a derby, but it is different to Europe with the fans.

But you feel inside the club these games are very important.

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Now it is my fourth year in the Arabian Gulf, after previously playing in Qatar for Lekhwiya. I really enjoy it, it is different to Europe.

It is more difficult to play here, as there are just four foreign professionals in the team. You need to prove yourself every game.

The quality of the professionals make the difference for each team. They are the heart of the team.

We need to keep in the same shape. We have a very good spirit in the team, coach Ivan Hasek has created a very good atmosphere.

We are like a family. The people at Fujairah are very friendly.

For next season, we need to keep the same level. If we do that, we will be in the top six.

There are excellent players throughout this league. We saw last season with Al Jazira bringing in Mirko Vucinic, a top striker from Juventus.

When you are here, you have to also support the local players. You cannot come here to be selfish.

As an experienced centre-back, I have to guide and encourage.

There are some very good Emirati players out here. But the best ones need to move to Europe to progress further.

Bougherra was speaking at the adidas Football Bunker at Dubai Sports World, where football fans can be among the first to play in adidas’ revolutionary new boots, X and ACE.