Porto star Otavio has made it clear he never planned to walk away from the Primeira Liga champions despite being linked with Leicester City, AC Milan and Roma, speaking to JN.
Much to the relief of everyone at the Estadio do Dragao, their influential midfielder won’t be leaving on a free transfer this summer after all.
Otavio’s contract was due to expire in July and clubs were queuing up to strike a bargain deal for a man who has produced an impressive 23 assists since the start of last season.
Tuttomercatoweb reported Leicester were keen to add the Brazilian to an already talented crop of playmakers at the King Power Stadium. AC Milan were also sniffing around, with technical director Paolo Maldini making a move of his own.
But, after months of speculation, Otavio has finally put pen to paper on a new £50,000-a-week deal – one that puts him among the highest earners at the Dragao.
“I never thought about leaving FC Porto for free. I always wanted to help the club and help me too,” explains the former Internacional star, suggesting Leicester, Milan and co were always barking up the wrong tree.
“Choosing FC Porto was the best decision I ever made and I’m very happy. It is a dream come true to renew because I feel at home here. I want to be able to show even more in the coming years and win more things.”
Otavio, who spoke in glowing terms about the impact Porto boss Sergio Conceicao has had on his career, looks set to lose his Primeira Liga crown before the season is out with Sporting Lisbon ten points clear at the top.
But at least the 25-year-old will be sticking around to snatch his trophy back in 2022.
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