The Argentine midfielder arrived in Rio de Janeiro, where many of the club’s fans were waiting for him. “I thank them for this and I hope to return their affection on the pitch,” he said.
Thiago Almada’s first statements on his arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Thiago Almada was greeted by a large number of Botafogo fans who met him at the airport. The Argentine midfielder will undergo a medical and then sign his contract to become the most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football.
The 23-year-old was transferred by Inter Miami for 19,600,000 euros with extra bonuses of up to 3,700,000 euros more. In this way, he surpassed the transfer of Luiz Henrique: the same Rio de Janeiro club had paid Betis the sum of 17,640,000 euros at the beginning of this 2024.
The Botafogo fans who went to greet him sang the Argentine footballer a personalized song that they had prepared for him. “Oh, Almada has arrived. Play, fight, win. I want the cup,” were the lyrics they sang in Portuguese as he took his first steps through the Rio de Janeiro airport.
Thiago Almada’s first statements
In the midst of fans and journalists, the new signing for Botafogo revealed that he had requested a particular shirt and was happy with the welcome. “I asked for number 23, so let’s see. It’s my favourite number and the one I debuted with. I hope they give it to me. I thank them for this and I hope to return the affection on the pitch,” he said.
Thiago Almada and the chance of a jump to Europe
The midfielder who will play for Argentina at the Olympics will have a 500 million dollar buyout clause. The Eagle Football Group, owned by John Textor, was the one who acquired the pass and that same American businessman is the owner of Botafogo.
The Brazilian press has been talking regarding the possibility of a transfer to Europe, as the American is also the owner of Lyon. They have not indicated the date on which his move to France might be agreed, although some media have indicated that it might be in January 2025.
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