Botafogo midfielder Clarence Seedorf has been presented at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro after joining the Alvinegro on a free transfer.
Seedorf, 36, was quick to point out his links with the country of Brazil, explaining how he learned Portuguese from Roberto Carlos and grew up surrounded by the names of Brazil"s giant clubs.
The Dutch international was born in Surinam, South America, before later marrying a Brazilian and owning property in Rio de Janeiro.
“When I was ten years old, I cried when Brazil went out the World Cup [1986]. In Surinam, people cheer for two teams – Holland and Brazil," he told reporters.
“When I was playing at Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos was my room-mate. For four years and I have never seen anybody talk as much as Roberto!
“It was there I learned to speak Portuguese. I came for my holidays, Brazil is in my heart.
“Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense… My father had photos of the teams in my room. I always knew the name Botafogo and now I have the pleasure of playing for this team."
