The Brazilian footballer Otavio Ataide has been loaned to Porto from Famalicao for four and a half seasons until 2028, the two Portuguese first league clubs announced this Wednesday, just minutes before the transfer window closed.
The funds involved have not been disclosed, but according to press reports, the Blues and Whites will invest 12 million euros (ME) for 80% of the central defender’s passes.
“I’m very happy and very motivated. I saw the news and wondered if I would play for Dragao wearing a Porto shirt. This happened, and this is one of the happiest days of my life. When I talked to my Parents, they told me not to think twice, but to come and be happy. “I’m making a dream come true and I can’t wait to be on the field helping the team,” the player was quoted as saying by the Dragons’ official website.
Otavio, 21, has made 30 appearances and scored two goals for Famalican, whom he joined on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo in mid-January 2023, with Minho’s side exercising their option to buy last summer.
Champion of Brazil with Mangan in 2020, the centre-back’s influence has increased this season and he represented the team coached by Joao Pedro Sousa in 19 appearances across various competitions before becoming Porto’s only official reinforcement during the winter window.
“First adaptation [ao país] It was difficult, but in this environment I became more mature, prepared and ready to help Porto. The most important thing now is to focus on the first steps to win your place in this group. The main goal that fans always strive for is winning titles. No one will play a game just for the sake of playing,” he said.
Otavio joins captain Pepe, Fabio Cardoso and Ze Pedro in the “dragon” decisions of the defensive line, filling the vacancy left open by the long absence of Marcano, a torn knee ligament and the transfer to Olympiacos of David Carmo, who has already been promoted to the B team from – for inappropriate behavior.
FC Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa said negotiations with Famalicão required “a lot of work” but expressed “very great satisfaction” at acquiring “an already established value” in national football and confidence in its qualities. .
“This is another Otavio. Otavio has a history in FC Porto’s life as players and this will be another Otavio to triumph at the club. We expect a lot from him. We are working to create the best conditions for victory and give victories to club members. and fans and achieve success, especially because this is what the real Porto fans want. We do not work for elite minorities, but for those who feel and love FC Porto and follow it,” said the director.
Almost six months after selling Spanish midfielder Iván Jaime to Porto for 10 ME, Famalican made one of the biggest sales in its history and fifth departure in January after Hernán de la Fuente (Huracan), Afonso Rodrigues and Pablo (both sold on loan to Pacos de Ferreira) and Ruben Lima (Estrela da Amadora).
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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