Óscar Romero alongside Alessandro Brito.
Photo: Vitor Silva/Botafogo / Esporte News Mundo
Midfielder Óscar Romero was officially presented as Botafogo’s new signing this past Thursday morning, at the Nilton Santos Stadium. The 31-year-old Paraguayan was playing for Pendikspor, in Turkey, and Alvinegro will wear the number 70 shirt. He signed with the club until the end of this year.
The number 70 shirt was a market opportunity for the club’s board of directors who were looking for a midfielder to be Eduardo’s shadow. In his press conference he promised that the fight for position will be intense.
– I have always been professional in my career. I haven’t played since January, but off the field I’ve always tried to be physically fit and ready when called upon. I worked in Paraguay with a physical trainer to be well. This will be analyzed by the technical committee to see when they can select me. I come to fight for a position, I believe I have enough experience to be able to earn my place, respecting all my teammates, but whoever comes to the club has the purpose of being able to play. My case is no exception, I come to fight for a place and try to help Botafogo wherever I can, but with the mentality of being able to play – said Óscar Romero.
The player stated that he was seduced to play for the club because it is a club with “a very important tradition in the country”.
-The moment Botafogo communicated with me, I felt very proud, satisfied, we know that this club has a very important tradition in the country. For me, it is a very important challenge in my career. Brazilian football is one of the best in the world, so coming to a club that projects good things, with projects for the future, made me decide to come here in every aspect – said Romero.
Óscar Romero became the 12th reinforcement signed by the club in the first transfer window of the season. He was presented alongside the head of the scout club, Alessandro Brito. At Botafogo, the number 70 will find an “old man” he knows in the squad, they have already played together in the Paraguayan national team and at Cerro Porteño.
– We talked before getting here. We played a lot of games together, both for Cerro and for the national team. He told me wonderful things about Botafogo, he’s been here for a long time, he’s been through all the situations, both difficult and now with a very good project. But nothing different from Brazilian football, the club, many beautiful words about the club, and I hope I can help him and the team – said the midfielder.
Óscar Romero revealed that his number is originally 10 and revealed that it is a tribute to Garrincha, a great idol in the club’s history.
– My number has historically always been 10. It’s a tribute to Garrincha. There are 10 times Garrincha, an icon of Botafogo – revealed Óscar Romero.
See other answers from Óscar Romero
Playing position
-In my career, I played in several positions. So I learned to play in many positions. It will depend on the coach, I will talk to him about how he will use me on the field, on my side, I can only perform well, be focused, try to dedicate myself as much as possible to the club, to training and being able to help the team to achieve all its objectives this year.
Image of Botafogo outside Brazil
-Botafogo outside of Brazil is seen as a very good project, and that was precisely what helped me decide to be here. They spoke very highly of the project, what they are doing at the club, the radical change. And I want to add to this beautiful project that is being born in Botafogo.
Team analysis
-I watched the last game, it’s a very fast team, which comes out quickly on the counterattack, with fast players on the wings. I took advantage of the break to get to know my companions and show off my characteristics. Last year, they already showed a good performance, it’s a shame that the championship slipped away, but there is a good squad, on my side I hope I can help.
Relationship with Angel, his brother
-Different, no. We are similar physically, but each with our own personality and characteristics on the field. He’s an attacker, I’m more of a midfield player, I’m the one who creates plays, he’s the one who finishes. This winning person, who goes to the club and seeks goals, we have the same. I really admire his career at Corinthians, a difficult club to play under pressure, like Botafogo. And he knew how to stand out, shine, I have my admiration for Angel and I hope to do the same here as he did for Corinthians and have my own story for Botafogo.
Libertadores dispute
-The Libertadores is a difficult competition, in which all teams must be mentally prepared and also prepare their squad to be able to compete in the national championship. I believe that Botafogo has the opportunity to demonstrate and take a leap in South America with a good edition of the Libertadores. On my side, I can help with my experience in this competition and perhaps make the dream of winning the Libertadores come true.
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