After falling at the Intercontinental, Almada says goodbye to Botafogo: ‘I came to stay for six months’

Botafogo’s highlight in winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship, midfielder Thiago Almada confirmed that he will not continue at the club in 2025. After the team’s elimination against Pachuca, in the Intercontinental Cup, the Argentine stated that he will play for Lyon, in France, next season.

“The truth is that this group will stay forever throughout my career. I found a beautiful group. When I came to Botafogo, everything was already arranged to stay for six months and go to Lyon. I believe it will be fulfilled. I thank all the fans at Botafogo for the affection”, he said in an interview with Cazé TV.

Thiago Almada arrived at Botafogo in June, during the second transfer window, as the most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football. Owner of the black and white SAF, John Textor, invested 25 million dollars (around R$ 137.4 million) to buy the player from Atlanta United, in the United States.

At the time of signing, Almada’s arrival was treated as a bridge to Lyon, Textor’s club in France. The European team is not going through a good moment and was asked by the French federation to prove its good financial health under penalty of administrative demotion.

After winning the Libertadores and Brasileirão. Botafogo dreamed of winning the Intercontinental cup, formerly the World Cup, but ended up being eliminated after losing 3-0 to Pachuca.