Clarence Seedorf has confirmed that he is cutting short his Botafogo contract and playing career with the intention of returning to Milan as Coach.
The 37-year-old has been increasingly linked with a return to San Siro this week to replace the sacked Massimiliano Allegri on the bench.
Clarence Seedorf has confirmed that he is cutting short his Botafogo contract and playing career with the intention of returning to Milan as Coach.
The 37-year-old has been increasingly linked with a return to San Siro this week to replace the sacked Massimiliano Allegri on the bench.
Confirmed as able to release himself from his current playing contract with Botafogo ‘without penalty’, Seedorf has been reported as having already drawn up a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Rossoneri.
On from this and speculation that he will be in Milan as soon as tomorrow to watch their Coppa Italia clash with Spezia before beginning work, the Dutchman called a Press conference in Brazil this afternoon at Botafogo’s Estadio Olimpico.
“I am here to announce that I will retire from playing after 22 years,” began Seedorf to reporters, sat alongside agent Deborah Martin and Botafogo President Mauricio Assumpcao.
“It has been a difficult decision, but I am satisfied with what I have achieved in my career and what I have done here at Botafogo.
“I am happy because I leave the team with qualification to the Libertadores and I leave an improved club, especially for their mentality and team spirit.
“Milan? We will meet again. This experience of the last year and a half has made me grow up a lot and will help me in my next step, as Coach of Milan, who have hired me in a manner both elegant and correct.
“I hope that Brazil can have a memorable World Cup and the national team can honours its colours. Thank you.”
More to follow…