Sharjah buy Digao has expressed regret about the way his spell at Al Hilal was brought to an abrupt end. Digao, 28, has signed a one-year deal with an option to renew after being made surplus to requirements at the Saudi Arabian giants.

This decision terminated the centre- back’s dominant two-and-ahalf- year stay, which saw an incredible 24 clean sheets gained in 45 Saudi Professional League outings.

“Now I pack my bags after two years with the team (Hilal),” he wrote on Instagram. “This is not the way I wanted it to end or the way that I deserve, but I have a lot to thank them for.

“I will not forget those who helped me to feel like I am in my home in Saudi Arabia, I will never forget how we fought so strongly so that we could win every game and the grief we felt every time we lost. I will never forget what it means to play for Hilal, and how important they were for my career.”

His new club are in the midst of a revolution as they bid to prevent a third-successive battle against Arabian Gulf League relegation. Digao has been reunited with Giorgos Donis, who coached him in Riyadh from February 2015-May 2016.

The King have also impressively made up for the loss of star striker Wanderley to Al Nasr, bringing in the 2015/16 SPL’s second top scorer, Gelmin Rivas, from Al Ittihad. Further eye-catching business from the Kingdom is expected.

Hilal forward Ailton and Poland playmaker Adrian Mierzejewski – who had his contract at Al Nassr cancelled last week – have both been linked.