Hodgson got into a public spat with Manaus’ mayor before the World Cup draw in December, but has appeared to end his rift with local officials in the city.
In December Hodgson said that Manaus was the place to avoid during the World Cup in Brazil due to high temperatures and humidity. The mayor of the jungle city, Arthur Virgílio Neto, subsequently released a statement saying England would not be welcome.
In an effort to diffuse the row, Hodgson has written a letter expressing his enthusiasm about visiting Manaus in June.
In a letter published by Amazonas state Governor Omar Aziz on Thursday, Hodgson said that he was “looking forward to experiencing” the city in what “promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament” for England.
“I am particularly keen to make contact with you following last year’s media reports about the England v Italy match in Manaus. I would like to put on record that I am looking forward to experiencing your city, learning about the culture and history and of course meeting the people!”
In response, Aziz said that the city was planning a “warm reception” for England, who will face Italy in the team’s World Cup opener against Italy on June 14.
