SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) 鈥� Although he spent most of his career with smaller clubs in lower divisions 鈥� most recently Chaves in Portugal鈥檚 second tier 鈥� always believed he belonged on a bigger stage.
Following a breakout with Cape Verde that won over fans worldwide, the 40-year-old goalkeeper has secured his high-profile move.
On Tuesday, he was officially unveiled by Colo-Colo, Chile鈥檚 most successful club.
鈥淭he decision was very clear. Despite playing in smaller leagues for clubs that weren鈥檛 exactly giants, deep down I always told myself I was a 鈥榖ig club鈥� player,鈥� Vozinha said at a press conference. 鈥淪o when Colo-Colo came calling, there was no doubt.鈥�
Colo-Colo announced the signing in late July, but his arrival was delayed. Vozinha acknowledged receiving other offers but maintained that the Chilean club was always his first choice.
鈥淔rom day one, I knew where I wanted to play. I received many offers, but Colo-Colo was always the priority,鈥� said Josimar 脡vora Dias, widely known as Vozinha 鈥� a nickname that means 鈥済ranny鈥� in Portuguese.
Finalizing the deal required overcoming a unique regulatory hurdle: Chilean football rules state that players must wear their legal surnames on their jerseys.
The goalkeeper acknowledged the prospect of dropping his moniker was frustrating but welcomed the Chilean Football Federation鈥檚 decision to .
鈥淚t is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.鈥�
Vozinha landed at Santiago Airport on Sunday to a from fans armed with flags, signs, and drums.
He passed his medical and signed his contract Monday, joined his new teammates for training Tuesday, and could make his debut this Sunday when league-leading Colo-Colo face Uni贸n La Calera.
鈥淭he World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Being here representing Colo-Colo 鈥� a massive club with a rich history 鈥� is the highlight of my club career,鈥� he added.
His stellar performances against powerhouses like Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina transformed him into a global sensation, driving his social media following from under 50,000 to nearly 30 million in a matter of weeks.
Now, the goalkeeper who earned a spot in the FIFA World Cup Best XI looks to channel that momentum in South America.
鈥淧laying in the World Cup comes with immense pressure. I played against the best national teams in the world, and now I just want to work hard and help this team achieve its goals,鈥� Vozinha said.
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