Al Sadd player Paulo Otávio expressed his happiness with the victory achieved by his side over Al-Rayyan in the Qatar Clasico, as part of Week 9 of the 2025–2026 Doha Bank QNB Stars League season.
Paulo said in his remarks to the club’s website: “It was very difficult for me to watch the game from outside. It was painful to see my teammates running up and down and me not being able to help them. But I was very, very happy with the result — really proud of the team’s effort.”
He added: “I think we should play like that every game. If we keep fighting like we did last time, with the same spirit, we can challenge for the title or achieve big things this season.”
Paulo went on to express his apology to the fans for his actions which led to his sending off during the game against Al-Arabi. “I want to take this opportunity to apologize to the fans,” he said. “It’s been a very difficult few days for me — the last five or six days have not been easy. Everyone goes through moments in life where you lose control, where you lose yourself a little. But as a football player, as a professional, and as a human being, I know I cannot lose control. As a father, I have to set an example for my kids, for the people around me, and also for the children watching us on TV or in the stadium.”
“I just want to apologise again and hope everyone understands me. It was a one-time mistake, and I’ve been working very hard to earn back your trust and to make sure I don’t lose control again.”
He concluded by saying: “Everyone makes mistakes — we’re all human. But I’m here with an open heart to say thank you for your support, always. I’m really happy to have you by my side, and we’ll keep working together.”
