When Gary Medel signed with Vasco da Gama, the club’s situation was critical. Engaged in the fight for survival, without a coach and with the stadium closed, the outlook at São Januário was far from encouraging.
However, none of that was an obstacle for the Chilean. On the contrary, it was quite the opposite. The fact that he turned down other offers to join the club was well received by the fans, and the “Pitbull” further endeared himself to the supporters with his commitment on the field.
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“I identified with the club. It’s a neighborhood club, of the people. I am someone who was born in a tough neighborhood in Chile, so I identified. I wanted to do it as quickly as possible,” explained Medel in conversation with Globo Esporte.
“I knew about the situation Vasco was in at that time. I had finished my contract with Bologna. I had a couple of offers from outside Brazil, but I didn’t want to. I wanted to come to Brazil and experience the football here,” he added.
Gary Medel dreams of being a champion with Vasco
The 36-year-old defender played a key role in avoiding relegation, but that was just the icing on the cake for a story of affection that had begun months earlier.
“What happens is that when I go to a club, I give 100%. In my way of being, in my daily life, in working and always giving my best for the club and the fans. I know how it is. In Chile, I am also a fan of a club. I want them to always win, to make an effort. It was mutual between Vasco fans and me,” added the two-time Copa America champion with Chile.
Although fans still appreciate his influence in avoiding relegation in Brasileirao, Medel is already looking ahead. And he dreams big: “I am dedicating myself 100% to the club, to keep growing, so that the fans win something important. I know it’s been a long time since they won anything. I hope to achieve it.
“I want to win a championship. Any championship. Leave my mark. My teammates are in good form. I hope it’s this year,” added the captain.
