Linked to several European clubs during the transfer window, midfielder Thiago Maia says that he was determined to stay at Santos.
The Santos revelation claims that he want to play in Europe in 2017, but his dream may be postponed if the club manages to qualify for the Copa Libertadores next year. Santos did not receive any proposal from Europe for Thiago Maia, but the Olympic Gold medalist was scouted by clubs like Atlético Madrid, Chelsea and Napoli. Thiago Maia said: “A player has dream to play for Seleção, to go out, and play for a great team in Europe. We [Zeca] have the same thought, we are not ready to leave now. There have been false news which claimed we will leave. Perhaps at the end of the year. Being Brasileirão champion, Copa do Brasil champion, and if we qualify for Libertadores, then I think I"d have more time in Brazil."
He added: “I"m glad for the interest of big teams in Europe. It"s the dream of a child. I remember the difficulties, my father taking me to practice with football boots of poor quality. I identify, I wanted to stay, if it was for money, I would"ve left. If God willing, I"d get more proposals and if we qualify for Libertadores, I"d stay."
Linked to several European clubs during the transfer window, midfielder Thiago Maia says that he was determined to stay at Santos.
The Santos revelation claims that he want to play in Europe in 2017, but his dream may be postponed if the club manages to qualify for the Copa Libertadores next year. Santos did not receive any proposal from Europe for Thiago Maia, but the Olympic Gold medalist was scouted by clubs like Atlético Madrid, Chelsea and Napoli. Thiago Maia said: “A player has dream to play for Seleção, to go out, and play for a great team in Europe. We [Zeca] have the same thought, we are not ready to leave now. There have been false news which claimed we will leave. Perhaps at the end of the year. Being Brasileirão champion, Copa do Brasil champion, and if we qualify for Libertadores, then I think I"d have more time in Brazil."
He added: “I"m glad for the interest of big teams in Europe. It"s the dream of a child. I remember the difficulties, my father taking me to practice with football boots of poor quality. I identify, I wanted to stay, if it was for money, I would"ve left. If God willing, I"d get more proposals and if we qualify for Libertadores, I"d stay."
