Soccer-Joselu joins Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Champions League - Final - Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - June 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Joselu celebrates after winning the Champions League final REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo

(Reuters) -Spain forward Joselu has joined Al-Gharafa on a two-year deal with an option to extend for another year, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) side announced on Friday.

The 34-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 34 LaLiga appearances in 2023-24, is the second Real Madrid player currently playing for Spain in Euro 2024 to join a Middle-Eastern club this week, after Saudi side Al-Qadsiah announced the signing of Nacho on Thursday.

Joselu helped Real reach the Champions League final last season when he came on as a substitute and scored a late brace against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semi-finals, clinching a 2-1 win for his club.

"Real Madrid thanks Joselu for his professionalism and his madridismo," Real, who later won the Champions League, said in a statement on Friday.

Former Newcastle United and Stoke City player Joselu's signing comes as Al-Gharafa strengthen their squad for the AFC Champions League Elite qualifiers, after finishing third in the QSL last season, making their first appearance in Asia's top-tier competition since 2011.

"The management of our club extends thanks and appreciation to Real Madrid for its great co-operation," Al-Gharafa said.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha and Mohamed Yosri; Editing by Hugh Lawson)