Clarence Seedorf, the most Rio of the Dutch, as has already been defined by the Botafogo fans, is already working to make his debut in the Juventus club as soon as possible. After landing in Rio de Janeiro last Friday, Saturday he was welcomed with open arms by 17 fans who flocked to the Engenhão stadium, while yesterday it was officially presented to the Brazilian press.
In perfect Portuguese (his wife Luviana is Brazilian) he actually revealed that he has always been a fan of historic rivals Flamengo, “because of Zico, my idol”. Not to disappoint crowd however, the black and white immediately threw water on the fire: “But these things are normal, I liked Milan and I played for Inter. Today I'm from Botafogo, but I respect all the other teams."
Just normal stuff. However, what will have to be extraordinary will be his performances on the pitch, especially after the departure of Loco Abreu who, on the same day as the Dutchman´s arrival, left Rio de Janeiro to join Figueirense on loan until the end of the season.
Despite the farewell of Loco (he will return to Botafogo at the beginning of next year), expectations in Rio de Janeiro are very high: the bianconeri in fact, seventh in the standings and seven points from the top, still have all the credentials to be competitive at the end of the championship. There are still 31 games to play, but above all there is the formidable Atletico Mineiro of former AC Milan partner Ronaldinho.
A Milan-Rio de Janeiro axis, or rather Milan-Botafogo, which dates back 50 years, at the time of another Brazilian who moved from the Brazilian black and white to the Rossoneri: the famous Amarildo who for a few years, before moving to Fiorentina and then to Rome, played alongside Altafini. It was Amarildo himself who received Seedorf in Rio, after a courtship that began a year ago through, not even on purpose, another former Brazilian AC Milan player, the full-back Serginho.
Seedorf, who has signed a two-year deal worth €7,5m, said he was motivated by the new adventure and not frightened by the pressures and expectations of the fans: "Throughout my career I have always played in teams that are forced to win, it's part of my obligations" he recalled. And in case anyone has forgotten it, his palmarés (which boasts, among other things, four Champions Leagues, one Intercontinental Cup and two European Super Cups) is there to prove it. The first appointment to see him on the pitch? Probably as early as July 22 in the home match against Gremio.
