Coach Zlatko Dalic has revealed Al Ain “will give everything” to repay the support the club has received from the entire UAE in their quest to beat Al Ittihad in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

No side from the UAE has managed to make the last-four of the competition since Al Wahda were edged out by Iranians Sepahan in 2007. That was also the last time a local team had progressed to the last-eight, prior to the Boss beating Al Jazira 4-2 on aggregate in May’s round of 16 encounter.

Al Ain will be cheered on by supporters from across the UAE in tonight’s first leg, with Arabian Gulf League competitors Jazira, Al Nasr, Al Wasl, Al Shabab and Sharjah all confirming on Twitter they will be temporarily casting aside their rivalries by transporting fans to the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium for the special occasion.

Croatian Dalic expressed his gratitude for the gesture, insisting the players were ready to give their all against the Saudi Arabians.

“Being in the last eight teams in Asia, I know, is a big result,” the 47-year-old said. “It is very good for everybody, for every team.
“Now, we are representing our country, the whole Emirates and not just Al Ain.

“We will give everything, for all people. Not only people from Al Ain, but for the whole country. 

“To make the semi-final will be a big, big result for everyone. Not only just for me, my team and our fans but everyone in the country.

“Everybody will be behind us. It will not be easy, I expect a good result and good game.

“I thank everyone for their support. Inshallah, we are in a good place at the moment and we hope to continue.”

The support has even come from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who declared the 2003 AFC winners were “capable of bringing back past glories” in the tournament following their President’s Cup triumph against Al Ahli at the end of last season.

Goalkeeper Khalid Essa was honoured by His Highness’ words and declared the entire squad were inspired to make them real.

The UAE international said: “Still in all the players heads and ears are the words from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that we should try to do our best to repeat what the team did in 2003.

“Inshallah, we are trying to do the same. It is not easy, but everyone in the club respects what His Highness said and we will do our best to get there.”