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Leading international Arif Ali (pictured) will leave Hong Kong after winning  a  job as a professional with  Racing Club de France in Paris.
Arif, who will leave on January 19,  revealed yesterday that his overseas commitments would stop  him  playing for Hong Kong this year.
'I have to think of myself now. All these years I have played for Hong Kong, who has not looked after me financially. Now my priority is myself,' Ali, 26, said. 'I will miss the AHF Cup in Singapore in June as well as next month's tournament involving Taiwan, Inner Mongolia and Guangdong in Hong Kong,' he said.
The top midfielder and penalty corner specialist was singled out by the French Premier League side Racing, who also want him to coach junior squads. The initial contract is for one season.
'They were looking for players from India and somehow my name had come up. I will be leaving next week for pre-season training. The season starts in March and goes on until June. After that I will go to Malaysia,' Ali said.
According to Ali, Racing - the most titled club in French hockey with 12 French Championships - is bidding to earn a place in the coveted European Champions League, similar to soccer's Champions League.
'They are giving me a monthly salary  plus taking care of everything else like accommodation and transport.
'It is time I think of myself. I have put Hong Kong first all these years,' he added.
The youngest of four Ali brothers, Arif  has played as a professional in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore.
His absence will also  hit Kowloon Cricket Club,  who are fourth in the eight-team Premier Division. They have a game against Dutch on Sunday, but Ali says he will not play.
'I don't want to get injured just before going to Paris. Like I said, I have to think about myself now.'



National squad blow as Arif Ali takes lucrative position with top Paris club