Hakim Ziyech spoke after arriving in Rio de Janeiro on the night of Tuesday into Wednesday, September 9, where he is set to join Botafogo as a free agent during the current summer transfer window.
The 33-year-old Moroccan was welcomed like a rock star by several hundred Botafogo supporters who gathered to greet the club’s new signing. Ziyech said he was delighted to be in Brazil, which he described as “the number one country for football.”
“Everything went well, the flight was a little long, but I’m delighted. Rio has always been on my list of destinations and now it has finally happened. I’m really looking forward to it. Brazil is the number one country when it comes to football, it’s a real way of life and I want to experience it,” Ziyech said.
Ziyech is also expected to wear his preferred number, 22, which he has worn at several of his previous clubs.
A free agent since leaving Wydad Casablanca, Ziyech still needs to undergo a medical before signing his contract with Botafogo, which is expected to run until December 2028. The Brazilian club, currently 14th in Série A, is counting on the Atlas Lion’s experience and technical quality to give its attack a new boost.
Several hundred supporters of the Rio-based club turned out for Ziyech’s arrival. Chants, flags, flares, and black-and-white shirts were all on display as the Moroccan international received a particularly warm welcome.
Last season, with Wydad Casablanca, Ziyech made 16 appearances in all competitions, playing 1,107 minutes. The Moroccan attacking midfielder scored nine goals and provided two assists.
