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Al-Hilal’s Former Stars Yousef Al-Thunayan and Sami Al-Jaber Speak on the Club's Founding Anniversary

Al-Hilal legends Yousef Al-Thunayan and Sami Al-Jaber reminisced about their most cherished memories with the club during an interview at Almajdiah Sport Hub on the club’s founding anniversary.

They discussed their early careers, the role of Al-Hilal's founder, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saeed (may God have mercy on him), the development of the club's facilities, their connection to it, and the most significant milestones they shared throughout their sporting journeys.

Speaking about Al-Hilal's founder, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saeed (may God have mercy on him), Youssef Al-Thunayan said, "Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saeed was an influential figure in our lives. I consider him like a second father to me. He was influential, after God, in convincing my father to let me join Al-Hilal. His love for the club and his dedication to it were beyond words."

Sami Al-Jaber recalled the founder's role in his joining Al-Hilal, saying, "Thanks God and then thanks to Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saeed for joining Al-Hilal. He visited our home and convinced my father to register me with the club. He played a major role in establishing this entity and shaping its history."

Al-Thunayan reminisced about his beginnings with Al-Hilal, saying, "Joining Al-Hilal was a dream for me. When I joined the first team, I found a group of great stars, and I wondered how I would be able to play with so many stars on the team. My opportunity arose after several of them joined the Saudi national team."

Al-Jaber also added, "My journey with the first team began under coach Candinho, at the same time the national team was participating in the 1988 Asian Cup. Candinho attended one of our youth team matches, in which I scored three goals. He then decided to call me up as a striker to the first team, and I was surprised to find myself starting against Al-Ahli alongside a group of Al-Hilal stars."

Regarding Al-Hilal's development and facilities, Al-Thunayan confirmed, "Al-Hilal has become a model club, professional in every sense of the word. What we have seen in terms of facilities and capabilities reflects the extent of the club's development and provides players with a comprehensive environment to perform at their best."

Al-Jaber also expressed his pride in the club's progress: "What we witnessed today is a source of pride and honor. Al-Hilal's headquarters rivals those of major clubs worldwide and reflects the global standing the club has achieved. Al-Hilal has always been a leader and keeps pace with developments in the world of football, and the best is yet to come."

Al-Thunayan also stated, "We have never strayed from Al-Hilal; it remains in our hearts regardless of life's circumstances. I still make sure to follow the team, even the youth teams matches."

Al-Jaber described Al-Hilal's place in his life, saying, "Generations come and go, but Al-Hilal remains. I always say, 'If Al-Hilal is doing well, then my family and I are doing well.'" "Loving Al-Hilal has become an integral part of our lives."

Al-Thunayan praised Al-Jaber's contributions throughout his career, saying, "Sami possessed exceptional intelligence on the field, always choosing the perfect moment to move without needing a signal. He was also distinguished by his discipline and constant dedication to developing his abilities, which led to his continuous improvement season after season."

In turn, Al-Jaber lauded Al-Thunayan's talent and potential: "After all these years, I can confidently say that I have never played alongside a player with the capabilities of Youssef Al-Thunayan. I say this without exaggeration; he's like a PlayStation in the Atari era."

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