We take our dreams, says Al Ain defender Erik after Asian Champions League triumph

Erik didn’t play, but his delight was in no way diminished.

“We take our dreams,” beamed Al Ain’s Brazil-born defender, Asian Champions League winner’s medal dangling from his neck. “Thank God for this moment."

Erik had watched it all unfurl from the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium sidelines. Injured moments after drawing Al Ain level in the semi-final second leg with Al Hilal last month, his race to reach the showpiece had proven a step too far.

He sat out the first leg against Yokohama F Marinos, travelling all the way to Japan and then departing the team bus in tears upon arrival at Yokohama International Stadium. He had to be consoled by captain Khalid Essa and members of the Al Ain backroom staff.

Again, on Saturday night as Al Ain tried to turn around a 2-1 deficit from Japan and chased a second Champions League title and first in more than two decades, Erik had to play the role of chief support. For the 100 minutes and more, he was one of the near-25,000 packed inside the UAE club’s glittering home ground who could only watch Al Ain's latest quest for the title unfold.

“For a player it’s very difficult to stay outside,” Erik told The National afterwards, thankfully, his team had come through, 5-1 on the night and 6-3 on aggregate. “For me, it’s more difficult than playing. Of course, when we go on the pitch [to play] we feel nervous, anxious.

“But outside I almost die, bro. I don’t like this. I want to play.”

Irrespective of his watching brief in the final, Erik played a pivotal role in Al Ain’s continental success. In the quarter-finals, he clearly embraced the challenge of foiling Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr, at times involved in some gamesmanship with the Portuguese superstar.

"It’s not personal," Erik told The