CAIRO: Ittihad s Moroccan striker Hicham Aboucherouane dedicated his side s Saudi League triumph to injured teammate Emad Meteb.
The Jeddah-based side had to do without Meteb during their vital 2-1 victory over Hilal that gave them their eighth league title.
The Egypt striker missed the game after tearing the cruciate ligament in his knee. The injury will sideline him for four to six months.
Aboucherouane, who scored Ittihad s second goal, revealed an undershirt with “Meteb, wish you speedy recovery phrase written on it.
I wish Meteb had been celebrating with us tonight, the former Raja Casablanca man told Abu Dhabi TV after the game.
I m very sad that he sustained this knee injury. I dedicate our league triumph to him.
Meteb, who spent a one-year loan with Ittihad after joining from Egyptian champions Ahly last summer, played an instrumental role in helping his side win the trophy they last lifted in 2007.
The 26-year-old scored 10 league goals in the successful Saudi adventure.
